Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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306. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funds allocated by the Health and Safety Authority for farm safety initiatives in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20134/16]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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The Health and Safety Authority has allocated a budget of €244,000 for 2016 for farm safety initiatives. These initiatives will include the organisation of, participation in, or support for a number of agriculture related events such as the Farmer of the Year Awards, Farm Safety Week, Teagasc Beef 2016, and the National Ploughing Championships.

The Authority’s Programme of Work for 2016 continues the emphasis on engagement with farmers through knowledge sharing groups and the level of inspection on farms will be maintained at 2015 levels. Priority tasks for the current year include:

- implementation of Year 1 of the Farm Safety Partnership Action Plan, 2016 to 2018;

- continuing awareness campaigns through the media, events and advertising targeted at agricultural sector;

- promotion of good health for farmers;

- publication of information sheets;

- reviewing and updating the Code of Practice on farm safety;

- developing an e-learning tool on tractor and machinery safety;

- focusing on child safety on farms through programmes at primary and post-primary school level;

- increasing awareness of farm safety throughout the sector.