Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Coming from a rural constituency, I also welcome the measures being put in place by this section. Many accidents happen so it is important that every machine is equipped properly. The fact that we are going to support it by having accelerated tax incentives is a good bonus. We have many people involved in farming who have had accidents. I want to recognise here and put on the record the work of an organisation called Embrace, which educates farmers through the fact that its members lost limbs or were seriously injured in accidents and were lucky enough to survive. Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is important that we recognise that the number of accidents that are happening is frightening. There have been a number of cases in my constituency, including one this year, which involved a person who was alone. Having proper telephone communication for farmers when they are working in isolation is important.

I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, for the work that has gone into this. It is the first step in a direction that we have to take. As I am a member of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, I think we would welcome this as something that will be positive. I would like to see it implemented as soon as possible with the least amount of paperwork attached so that people can avail of it as quickly as possible.

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