Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 167: 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. [34174/05]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to reports of increased deaths and injuries to farmers arising from more aggressive farm animals; if any particular steps are planned to counter this threat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34175/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 189 together.

I am very concerned about the level of safety on our farms and I support wholeheartedly the work of the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, which is the State authority charged with overall responsibility for promotion of workplace health and safety. I look forward to the launch next Thursday, 17 November, of the code of practice for the agriculture sector, the first code of practice under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 for employers with three or fewer workers. The publication of this code will contribute greatly to farm safety generally.

My Department is also funding Teagasc to carry out a project into animal behaviour, in conjunction with the HSA and experts from member states of the European Union. The results of this project are expected to make a positive contribution to dealing with farm animal safety issues.