Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. He is correct that more needs to be done. We are all aware of the devastation inflicted on families by such incidents. The most important safety aspects relate to children on farms. They are often on farms during the summer and it may be that parents may relax their attention to safety. The experienced farmer who may be working for many years may also take the eye off the ball with regard to safety. The Department needs to issue constant reminders of the importance of safe farming. Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations. Perhaps there should be one single agency to oversee safety and have ultimate responsibility for farm safety. This agency could be under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority or the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

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