Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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I also welcome the witnesses from the National Roads Authority. I agree with previous speakers in regard to the testing of tractors. Already there is an obligation on farmers in respect of agricultural vehicles under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It places a legal duty on all farmers and their employees to prepare and work to a safety statement. The current proposal will duplicate the requirement that all agricultural vehicles fulfil the roadworthiness obligations, impose an exorbitant and unnecessary cost and reduce the competitiveness of farmers in the current climate. In reality they are struggling to keep their farms viable and to remain solvent.

Perhaps it was the construction boom that prompted the proposal for Ireland, but that is long gone. At that time a certain number of agricultural vehicles were engaged in that sector.