Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome in particular the work of the Health and Safety Authority, including the survey carried out, as well as the steps taken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine relating to farm safety. I welcome the comments of the Minister of State to the effect that he would welcome suggestions. Earlier, I referred to looking at other ways of carrying out the agitation process. As a farmer, the Minister of State will be aware that this is a dangerous time for any farmer or his family to be within close proximity during the process. I said earlier that relying on wind as a means of diluting the effects of the noxious fumes is unsatisfactory in this day and age. On that basis, I reckon the Minister of State could refer the matter to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It could then discuss the matter and invite experts with a chemical background to examine ways of relieving and addressing the problem.