Social isolation is "a major concern in agricultural communities" and a "national loneliness strategy" is now urgently needed, members of the Seanad have heard.

The issue of loneliness was raised in the Seanad following a briefing by Samaritans Ireland to Oireachtas members.

According to Samaritans Ireland, one of its team answers a call for help to its 24-hour telephone service "almost every minute".

The national charity has called for the development of a  national loneliness strategy led by the Taoiseach's office - which is being backed by Senator Victor Boyhan.

Senator Boyhan told the Seanad that during the briefing Samaritans Ireland highlighted to Oireachtas members about the number of people "who call very late at night and who, after many months of ringing and maybe not even speaking, will eventually start to talk about their sense of isolation and rural loneliness".

"It is all very well coming out with platitudes and talk but we can do something about this. We should seek to develop a national strategy on tackling loneliness, in collaboration with other stakeholders," Senator Boyhan added.

According to the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary, the issue of rural isolation, especially among the elderly, is "complex" as it can undermine both physical and mental well-being of people.

Minister Calleary said: "Loneliness requires a wide range of responses, including health interventions, community policing, rural transport, tackling social exclusion, and addressing disadvantage.

"Within my department, this issue is also addressed by the sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities strategy. Both strategies are underpinned by funding through the rural investment programme and community development programme, the latter of which supports projects and schemes across both rural and urban communities".