Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I welcome the work of the Health and Safety Authority. I agree fully with the Tánaiste that the increased vigilance and inspection rates on farms can only help to avoid further serious and fatal accidents. In the past ten years, 43 children have died on farms, which is a frightening figure. Comparing the statistics in construction to those in agriculture, agriculture is a more dangerous sector. What further steps can we take to improve safety? The current television advertisements are effective and are helping to make people aware of the hazards that exist, particularly for young children.

See this speech in context