Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on his brief. I thank him for coming to the Seanad today.

Agriculture has long been one of the cornerstones of the Irish economy and provides many people with a livelihood throughout this country. Today agriculture is actually smaller than the other two main sectors of the economy - manufacturing and services. However, the Health and Safety Authority notes that a larger proportion of workplace fatalities occur in agriculture despite the smaller numbers employed. This is surely a cause for major concern which needs to be addressed.

One of the core duties of all employers is to ensure that their employees are safe and secure in their workplace. As farmers are self-employed the onus must be on the Government to ensure that farm safety laws are constantly reviewed and updated to keep those involved in agriculture safe as they earn a living. Unfortunately the level of farm-related accidents both fatal and non-fatal is far too high.

I know the figures have been referred to already but during the period 2006-15, 194 people died in Ireland due to agricultural accidents. In 2015, 18 people died on Irish farms. Those 18 families will never see their loved ones return from farming the land. Farming remains a labour-intensive and sometimes dangerous occupation. Each year farm fatalities reach double figures and more than 1,000 injuries occur on farms. Statistics shows that many people have been crushed, struck by their vehicle as it moved or overturned, or have fallen from the vehicle.

Given all the technological innovation in agriculture in recent times this number is far too high. We must ask ourselves why this continues to happen and why we let this happen. It is clear the Government must do more to ensure safe practices are observed on Irish farms, especially in relation to farm vehicles.

The Irish Farmers' Journalhas noted, "The majority of farm injuries occur on the farmyard, although injuries also occur in farm buildings and on farmland." The age profile of those killed is of serious concern. The old and the young are exceptionally vulnerable to death and injury on Irish farms.

Between 2006 and 2015, 24 children were killed on Irish farms. This is truly a shocking statistic. The loss of so many young lives clearly indicates that we must prioritise farm safety for children. Each loss of life is more than likely preventable, especially the loss of children.

We must also not forget that the elderly farmer who has worked hard all his or her life is also vulnerable to accidents on the farm. From 2006 to 2015, 67 older farmers lost their lives on farms for a variety of reasons. Government must seek to ensure that farming families and all engaged in agriculture are protected as they continue their way of life and strive to reduce accidents.

Workplace safety has for many years been given a high priority by Government, the Health and Safety Authority and many State and voluntary organisations. Very extensive advertising campaigns and courses and lectures have been used.

Farm Safety Week 2016 takes place from 4 to 8 July. Each day focuses on a different theme – falls, machinery, livestock, transport and children on farms. There has been some success - farm fatalities were down by 40% in 2015, with 18 deaths reported compared with 30 in 2014. There were four child fatalities.

We have very extensive legislation governing workplace safety. Accidents are fully investigated. Legislation and recommended practices are reviewed and updated as deemed necessary. I do not think that further legislation is the solution. We need to concentrate on implementing existing legislation and keep educating all concerned about safety procedures and the absolute need to observe them and protect themselves.Previously in this Chamber and after the survey to which Senator Martin Conway referred, it was suggested that farm safety should be taught in primary schools. That may be something that is looked at for the future. I note that videos are available in schools as it stands. The Health and Safety Authority has a key role in the investigation of accidents and inspecting as many workplaces as possible. Teagasc and the farming organisations have done a great deal of good work in this area and must continue to try to reach everyone involved in agriculture. The HSE has published a number of guidelines on the supervision of children, the need to keep children away from machinery and tractors, keeping children at a safe distance from livestock, preventing falls and keeping buildings, fences and gates in a good and safe condition. All concerned must strive to continue improving farm safety.