Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to follow up on the points made by Deputy Canney on this International Day of People with Disabilities. I am sure the Ceann Comhairle will join me in supporting the County Kildare Access Network's light up Kildare purple week. That is what I am doing with this mask here today. The proposal before the House with regard to the accelerated capital allowance addresses the issues of those who have suffered disablement from farm accidents. It is very much an acknowledgement of them. On the last point made by Deputy Durkan, the measures covered in this amendment include PTO covers and a quick-hitch mechanism for rear and front three-point linkage to enable the hitching of implements without needing to descend the tractor, thereby taking that risk element out of it. Some of the measures covered in this list of accelerated capital allowances are preventative ones and some are for those who have suffered injury in the past.

I acknowledge the support of the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, in the establishment of this important list. As the first Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety, I do not think this list will ever go away. It might be amended in time, but now we have established the principle of farm safety being an integral part of this budget and every budget that is brought forward.

Deputy Mattie McGrath mentioned a video that was done. We have seen many bad videos on farm safety. I commend the students of Nenagh CBS, led by their teacher Paul Butler, for their excellent TikTok video. The video in question, "Open Your Eyes To Farm Safety", has received the backing of Embrace FARM and others for its really positive approach. The students in Nenagh have done great work on the positive promotion of farm safety elements.

I take on board Deputy Naughten's views on the delays that exist. We want to see these measures developed further because we need to support people who are left behind following the loss of limbs, etc. I do not want to see anybody left behind, particularly from my perspective on the farm safety side. We want to assist people in getting their lives back on track. We also want to stop these accidents happening in the future. We want to see fewer people on Irish farms suffering such injuries. I also take on board the Deputy’s point about the importance of 5G coverage. On the broadband side, we have the national broadband plan to roll these services out. 5G and mobile coverage is very important for farmers in isolated areas. The farm advisers who go into farms to deal with farmers on a daily basis, and are very trusted on farms, can signpost supports to farmers who may be suffering as a result of isolation. Such supports are now on firm ground. I have taken on this initiative with my colleague in the Department of Health, the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. It is being jointly funded with my Department.

On Deputy Durkan’s point about an awareness campaign, I agree that these measures are only as good as the awareness of them. I intend to make myself available across all local media and beyond over the coming weeks to promote the use of these measures as well as the roll-out of the open call for innovation partnership. We want to see many applications for that scheme from community groups around the country.

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