Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment Embrace FARM, Irish Rural Link and Councillor John Dolan. As Senator Cummins stated, a number of issues have been raised several times, particularly the dangers of PTOs on the back of tractors and a scrappage scheme. As Senator Cummins stated, please God they will be in our recommendations. The event to be held in Abbeyleix on 28 June will be important. The proposal with regard to slurry gas is excellent and would make it safe. The fact it has a beneficial side effect which can be put to good use for the farmer is excellent, and is something else we will examine and, please God, advance further. As Councillor John Dolan stated, it is all down to good farming practice.

As has been stated, if a successful farm safety scheme does not come about with a carrot, the use of the stick must be imposed down the line. The issue is too serious now. Best practice can be evident in industry but farms are industries in their own way, so best practice must apply there as well.

I compliment the witnesses as their submissions have been excellent and very worthwhile. Hopefully we will be able to further advance those ideas through our rapporteur.