Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to promote road safety among members of the farming community using agricultural vehicles on public roads in summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25573/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am concerned with all levels of safety on our farms and the use of agricultural vehicles on public roads. I fully support the work of the Department of Transport, which is the lead Department for all matters relating to road safety, and also the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which is the Agency established under the aegis of the Department of Transport to take a lead role in the area of road safety.

I agree completely with the joint summer road safety appeal issued by the Road Safety Authority in conjunction with the IFA in early June, which urged road users to be aware of the increase in the number of agricultural vehicles over the Summer and Autumn period. This appeal also highlighted the fact that:

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are governed by road traffic laws,

Standards in relation to vehicle roadworthiness, lighting and tax must be adhered to,

Agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units and they must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators,

The tractor should carry no passengers unless it is equipped to do so,

Trailers should not be used for transporting people unless it has provision for carrying them, and

Tractors must be fitted with safety frames.