Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue on the Adjournment. I am calling for action to be taken to ensure roll-over protective structures, ROPS, also known as roll bars, are installed in all vintage tractors. The phenomenon of vintage tractor runs is increasing in popularity and is a pastime enjoyed by many people in this country. Many tens of thousands of euro are raised for charity on a weekly basis by the holding of runs such as the one that will take place in Meath this coming weekend. I compliment those involved in this activity for their efforts in supporting charities throughout the country.

I was contacted recently by Mrs. Carmel Gilsenan from Kilmainhamwood in County Meath whose daughter Gráinne, aged 22, died in a tragic accident during a vintage tractor run in June last year. Gráinne was a respected member of her community, very active in charity fund-raising and took great pleasure in participating in vintage tractor runs. In the aftermath of her death, Gráinne's mother has, very generously, voiced her support for the continuation of vintage runs, while also calling for the enforcement of more effective safety precautions in respect of older vehicles. She asks specifically for legislation to be amended to ensure the installation of safety features such as roll bars are made mandatory for vintage tractors.

Mrs. Gilsenan recently told the Meath Chronicle and Cavan and Westmeath Herald:

I do think that Gráinne died doing what she always wanted to do and was happy in herself. But I would like to see her memory honoured, to have legislation amended so that roll bars and safety features are made mandatory on these vehicles. If it would save another person going through this loss it would be worth it.

Her words are extremely generous in light of the severe grief she has suffered. I met Mrs. Gilsenan this week along with members of a vintage club and others who regularly take part in vintage runs, raising significant sums for charity in the process. They fully support her call. In fact, many have already voluntarily taken it upon themselves to increase the safety features of their own vehicles. I understand this can be done at a relatively modest cost.

I expect the Minister will point to legislation from a long time ago in arguing that regulations in this regard already exist. Even if that is the case, the issue must be given more prominence by the Road Safety Authority. I cannot find any reference to it on the authority's website, which suggests a lack of awareness of the potential dangers. We must ensure that growing numbers of people who participate in this excellent pastime are doing so safely. This is particularly pressing in the case of vintage tractors that are used on the road, as opposed to those that are simply for display purposes, such as vehicles show-cased in the Moynalty steam threshing festival.

We would all like to see the charity fund-raising facilitated by these events continue and develop. Indeed, many recipients of the organisers' efforts say that they depend on the funds raised by the vintage runs. At the same time, however, everybody would like to be confident that safety is a top priority. As Mrs. Gilsenan said, that would be a fitting tribute to her daughter who died so tragically last year.