Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps being taken to address the serious problems of death and injuries through farm accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17375/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health and Safety Authority is the State authority charged with overall responsibility for the promotion and enforcement of workplace health and safety. The authority has a proactive inspection and enforcement programme, Programme of Work 2005, which focuses on high risk sectors, including agriculture, and aims to achieve an improvement in farm safety and an increase in the percentage of farms with safety statements.

I regard this issue as very important and I am committed to ensuring that the farming sector improves its safety record. During my term as Minister I intend to take a close interest in this area and give every encouragement to those who are committed to tackling what is a serious problem in Irish farming.