Ms Kate Tobin:

I thank the committee for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in today's meeting on the important issue of farm safety, an area in which FBD Insurance is actively involved. I am joined today by my colleagues, Mr. Ciaran Roche and Mr. Pat Gilligan. I will take a moment to express our sincere sympathy to all individuals, families and communities who have been affected by farm accidents. These are not just statistics. Behind every incident is a life lost or altered, families changed forever, and communities deeply impacted.

FBD's roots are deeply embedded in Irish farming. Founded by farmers for farmers, we have worked alongside the agricultural community for more than 50 years. Alongside our role as an insurer, FBD has long championed the importance of farm safety. For decades, in tandem with FBD Trust, we have invested in, supported and led campaigns aimed at encouraging practical steps to improve safety on farms.

In recent years we have invested significantly in a wide range of safety initiatives, sponsored awareness campaigns and participated in national forums on farm safety issues. We have an annual programme of work, led by our dedicated team of experts to support farmer health and safety. This includes our annual mart safety campaign, our partnership with the IFA for farm safety week, safety seminars in agricultural colleges and Farm Safety Live at the Tullamore Show. We are a very active member of the farm safety advisory committee of the HSA. We fully endorse the committee's action plan and remain committed to its implementation.

Our work in partnership with key stakeholders will continue. Collaboration is essential. Sustainable long-term change can only be achieved by working together. We at FBD remain fully committed to playing our part. Protecting our customers and supporting safer farms is not only part of our business; it is part of who we are. I thank the committee for the opportunity to contribute to today's discussion. We look forward to engaging with the committee and continuing to work together to improve farm safety in Ireland.