Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to promote the importance of health and safety on farms in 2009 in view of the fact that 21 people lost their lives on farms in 2008, which was 11 more than in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4906/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am very concerned with the level of farm safety on our farms. Last year 21 people died on Irish farms and this year to-date 3 people have died on Irish farms. I strongly support the work of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which is the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work.

In 2002 the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee was established. This Committee is made up of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Teagasc, HSA and other farming groups and supports and co-ordinates the majority of research and promotional activities in relation to farm safety. Throughout 2008 this Committee developed a Farm Safety Action Plan for the period 2009-2012, which was launched by my colleague Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs, in December 2008. This Plan sets out ambitious goals and actions to raise national awareness of occupational safety and health in agriculture and to reduce fatalities and accidents on Irish farms.

I fully support the HSA in the implementation of this new Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012 and my Department has committed to:

Include a link on DAFF's website to the "Farm Safety Section" of the Health and Safety Authorities website.

Ensure that Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) training courses will address farm safety issues as they arise under particular REPS Measures.

Incorporate appropriate health and safety aspects in DAFF's farm building specifications when they are being drafted/revised.

Support farm safety week/month and to issue timely press statements on a relevant topic to highlight the need for health and safety awareness in agriculture.