Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other Senators in congratulating the Cathaoirleach, Leader and the officials on what was a successful term in the House. I would like to raise the issue of farm deaths. We need to have a major debate on farm safety. Last year, 21 unfortunate people died on farms. Nine of them was aged over 65 and the highest number of deaths was recorded in my own county, Cork, where eight farmers lost their lives. It is a significant issue and I am sure every Member has dealt with a family affected by these awful tragedies, which are workplace accidents. The farming community has a poor record on safety. It is an important issue at this time of the year as the grain harvesting period commences and there is significant movement of machinery. It is an important debate. Farm safety must be highlighted over the next few weeks and I hope the Leader will speak to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that happens.

In the context of Senator Devine and others saying "Up the Dubs", I acknowledge and congratulate everyone involved in the first game played in the newly reopened Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night. It was a fantastic occasion from what I have heard with more than 10,000 people turning up for an intermediate hurling championship match between Valley Rovers and Blarney. It is great that the stadium in Cork is up and running and I am looking forward to the weekend's double header.