Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentations. Mr. Brett of the Road Safety Authority skirted around the factors involved, namely, high speeds, weights being carried such as 40 kg boxes or whatever. He might clarify that point. He quoted the figure of 6% of the workforce in agriculture and I would have thought the figure was higher but nonetheless I accept his figures. The figure of 48% fatalities is a frightening figure. We must all strive to bring down that figure and one fatality is one too many.

If tractors are to be tested, where does Mr. Brett envisage that the bigger, faster and heavier ones will be tested or by whom will they be tested? There is nothing more frustrating than to have somebody testing such a vehicle who does not understand the mechanics of it. Most mechanics know about diesel or petrol vehicles, cars, vans or other vehicles but heavy machinery such as this is specialised. Certainly we must ensure they are safe on the roads but there should be fair play and an understanding of the vehicles.