Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I echo the sentiments expressed about farm accidents and the provision for safety measures on farms because I represent a rural constituency. Obviously any initiative that can be brought forward to increase farm safety is very welcome. A lot of the solution rests with education and a change of culture. The initial research shows that there are different demographics of farmers and different risk categories.

The point made about inspections is very valid. Let us remember that farm inspections cover a range of issues, including the environment and the rural environment protection scheme, REPS. I urge that a co-ordinated approach is adopted for inspections. There have been times, not in terms of farm safety, where farms are visited by a Department inspector and separately an inspector from the council where they contradict each other's findings. That situation should be borne in mind in terms of more inspections. I say that without detracting from the work of the HSA. I support the call for greater health and safety but urge that inspections are co-ordinated to make it easier for farmers to carry on with their business. Nowadays farming is a very demanding profession and often times farmers work in a solitary environment. They do not have the amalgamation of a team around them yet they must manage all of the demands placed on them.