Dr. Oladele Olajide Onada:

Thank you, Chairman. I thank the Senators present and the Seanad Public Consultation Committee for the opportunity to make a presentation on farmer's lung disease as it relates to farm safety in Ireland.

As we all know, the economy grew by 5% in 2014 and agriculture grew by 10%. In 2015, the Irish economy has been growing at a rate of 4.8% of GDP with falling unemployment, increasing employment and sustainable investment in the agricultural sector. Economic growth and trade is above the 1.7% average for the EU and the eurozone average of 0.8%. Irish consumer spending has increased with the increase in domestic consumption of Irish agricultural products and services. Exports to Europe and the USA have also increased. This increase in agricultural economic activity along with economic growth should be reflected in farmers' health protection.

When farmer's lung disease is not recognised or diagnosed in hospitals, it can become progressive and can result in associated disability and fatality. When farmers come to the emergency department, they usually have chest complaints, including difficulty with breathing, chest discomfort coughing and wheezing. Chest complaints may also be accompanied by high fever, chills and so on. The exposure to mouldy hay during the winter or spring months can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction in the lungs. The chest complaints can result after the winter months when exposure to the mouldy hay has stopped. Farmer's lung disease is common in tillage and livestock farmers. Farmers who suffer from exposure to mouldy hay can see a resolution of the symptoms of farmer's lung disease. However, sustained exposure leads to progressive breathlessness.

Our medical group has made a recommendation for legislative changes in the area of risk assessment of farms to the effect that risk assessment for farmer's lung disease should be included. These legislative changes should be incorporated into the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and all its applications. Moreover, we recommend that the Government should provide financial incentives to farmers to upgrade their grain and hay storage technologies with a view to preventing farmer's lung disease. Farmers with established physical disability from farmer's lung disease should receive a health subsidy and financial incentives in respect of leaving farming, in addition to social benefits. We also propose education for Irish livestock farmers to help prevent farmer's lung disease.