Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the appointment of the new Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan. This is very important for Ireland. The new Commissioner will be able to deliver for farmers in the future. I call on everybody to put on the green jersey and support the new Commissioner because it is important to do so.

I also welcome the farm safety initiative launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, on Monday in Athlone. Approximately 21 people have lost their lives on farms this year. That is 21 too many. The figure is up on last year. It is important to encourage farmers to become more aware of the dangers on farms. I especially welcome the grant for farmers who want to upgrade and put in place safety measures on their farms.