Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thought when I came into the Chamber that I was going to speak on defence, as the Minister was talking about that topic. However, it is not my portfolio and I will leave that to Deputy Ó Snodaigh.

Overall, the budget was very disappointing for the public. The one sector that has come out of it with an element of credibility is the Minister's portfolio of agriculture. There is no point in saying otherwise. Sections of the farming community have come out of it well, which is to be acknowledged and commended.

I also wish to commend the farm safety aspect of the budget. Over the years, every county has experienced tragedies on farmland, in particular due to the type and size of modern machinery involved. Slurry pits also pose a hazard. Only last year, a father and two sons lost their lives on a farm in County Antrim. I welcome the fact that funding is being made available for farm safety measures but it takes more than funding. Sufficient safety awareness must also be created within the farming sector. Everyone involved must play a role, including the farming organisations in order to create safe practices and awareness of the dangers involved.

The Minister said there was a grant procedure for farm safety but how is it supposed to work?

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