Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of farm safety. In 2017, 50 people lost their lives in farm-related accidents. Farms, by their nature, are generally family enterprises. They are great places to grow up but unfortunately dangerous places to live in. The age profile of those killed is also of great concern. The old and the young are exceptionally vulnerable to death and serious injury on farms. Animals, machinery and slurry pits are among the greatest dangers posed to adults and children on family farms. The nature of the accidents on our farms can have long-lasting, heartbreaking and devastating impacts on families. At this time of year, farmers are exceptionally busy working long hours, often on their own. In cases such as this, fatigue can creep in. The Health and Safety Authority, HSA, has now refocused on improving farm safety by way of a television and radio campaign that focuses on all aspects of farm safety. I too appeal to members of the farming community to be extra careful on their farms. It is an exceptionally busy time of year for farmers. School children will be getting their school holidays shortly and will be helping on the farms. I appeal to all members of the farming community to be extra careful and to be conscious of all the dangers that surround them as they go about their daily tasks.