Last week, a staggering 9,300 farmers were waiting since early 2024 on delayed ACRES payments. Some 2,302 of these farmers are waiting for their 2023 payment. We also have a tariff crisis facing Irish agriculture. Farmers also want to discuss – I met the IFA on this – Ireland’s derogation scheme. It is now about pointing the direction for Ireland and we need to have a discussion on agriculture this week in the Dáil.

Sentiment score: -0.15

Cancer Connect, the hugely successful cancer transport service, is available throughout County Cork and is delivered on the ground by a team of 430 volunteer drivers of several vehicles. The years 2023 and 2024 alone saw between 6,000 and 7,000 passenger journeys recorded. The impact this transport has on the lives of those on a cancer journey and the extended community is extensive. Cancer Connect has gone beyond the realm of surviving on community donations. The company is now struggling to budget efficiently for 2025 without any guaranteed income secured. The Department of Health made a commitment last October to fund Cancer Connect up to €50,000. This was greatly received but to deliver on this ever-growing service, Cancer Connect will need an annual budget of up to €100,000. Will this be achieved in the next budget?

Sentiment score: -0.37