Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Kenny spoke about common-sense solutions but people must use common sense themselves and recognise the dangers of mixing with animals. Many of the more modern marts have overhead bridges so that people can inspect animals from above. Under no circumstances should members of the public be in the passages between the pens or the pens themselves because cattle at marts are in unfamiliar surroundings and their behaviour can be unpredictable.

I point out again that mart owners and managers have statutory obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. They have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees and of the general public. Most marts and co-operatives are very conscious of safety around animals. The public should be in the auction rooms rather than outside where the animals are penned. The pens should be reserved for employees only. Marts are dangerous places, particularly in the morning when cattle are being off loaded from trailers into the pens.

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