Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that update. I commend the Department, the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, who has responsibility for this area, on their efforts to date. It is fitting that special responsibility be assigned to a Minister of State. Unfortunately, the 12 fatalities this year are 12 people who will not be at the Christmas dinner table with their families in a few weeks' time. My condolences go out to the families affected.

The statistic that two in five workplace fatalities occur on farms is concerning. That message should never be lost. I tabled this question to try to keep the matter on the agenda. It is crucial. Complacency is probably the greatest enemy of them all. No one at any level, be it in the Department or on the front line on farms, should be complacent about farm safety. I ask that the Department continue its efforts.

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