Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of the organisations for being here. Perhaps I will be making comments rather than asking questions. I wholeheartedly agree with the president of the Irish Farmers Association, Mr. Eddie Downey, as it is vital that the HSA works with the farmer and educates rather than penalising him or her. That is key. My colleague, Senator Coughlan, mentioned the possibility of a device to disable a tractor or machine and some time ago I heard of a cable that could be used to attach to an implement. If there was a problem with the power take-off shaft, the engine would be stalled immediately. It should be simple to operate such a device, which would be very beneficial.

We are heavily involved with knowledge transfer processes with the sheep and beef discussion groups. There will be much more of that taking place with the new regime of payments coming in for farmers. The green, low-carbon, agri-environment scheme, GLAS, has also been mentioned. Knowledge transfer among farmers is crucial and these issues must be pointed out when farmers visit other farms. The witness spoke about having a loader with a spike in a raised position. I have walked into farms and notice shear grab implements open in the raised position. They are deadly in such a position.

It is crucially important we learn from each other.