Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their submissions. A number of different groups have come before us, and the witnesses were in the Gallery during some of the hearings. Education is a theme that arose across all the participants. I am concerned that there does not seem to be enough joined-up thinking between the various agencies, and I would like the witnesses' thoughts on it. Although Senator Cummins spoke about the very useful educational video that is available on the website, we are told that this education is not available to schools. Do we need some sort of overall authority or a one-stop-shop to pull together all the various groups that are doing very valuable work in an overall strategy? It is a shame that a toolkit is available but schools are not using it. I would like the witnesses' thoughts on whether farm safety should be a compulsory module at second level, perhaps for the leaving certificate exam or during transition year, so that we could educate people at young age.

The IFA came before us earlier today and said they wanted farm inspectors to become advocates as opposed to putting the fear of God into farmers when they come on to their farms. I am sure the witnesses would agree. Are there are measures that the witnesses are taking, could take, or that the Government could assist them in taking, to try to change the culture from the perspective of both the farmers and the inspectors coming on to their farms?