Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I understand it, farm safety walks are a relatively new innovation and something the Health and Safety Authority wishes to promote. The authority takes what might be described as a blended approach to safety issues. From the point of view of farm safety, the number of farm fatalities in recent months, including those of young children and experienced farm workers and owners, is very concerning. The view taken by the HSA is that resources need to be directed towards farm safety walks, discussions groups and this type of engagement. Inspections in isolation do not seem to be bringing down the number of fatalities. There is a huge job of work to be done by all of us to raise awareness. We in public office and the representative organisations, including the IFA and the ICMSA, must work closely with the HSA and other relevant organisations to try to create a wider awareness of farm safety. This is a priority for me. The Health and Safety Authority and I plan over the next couple of months to hold a series of events throughout the country on what is called Workers' Memorial Day to raise awareness of safety in the workplace. This will include farms as well. I am quite positive about the approach being taken in terms of farm safety walks. People in my community in Louth have engaged in such processes and have found them useful. This approach will enable the HSA to reach a wider number of farm workers and owners over the next period and to promote the safety message.