Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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65. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to improve tractor safety on farms in view of machinery being the biggest cause of farm fatalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33553/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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With almost 50 % of all fatal incidents ##on farms involving either farm vehicles or machinery, my Department has undertaken initiatives with the Health and Safety Authority aimed particularly at this area.  Most recently, my Department, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority and the Irish Farmers Journal, have jointly developed an on-line Tractor Safety Awareness Training course.  The course is aimed primarily at young people who are starting to drive tractors on farms and highlights the daily safety elements that need to be considered.  It can also provide a reminder for experienced operators of the practical application of farm safety in the operation of tractors.  This course was launched in September of this year.

Additionally, my Department, in conjunction with the HSA, jointly funded the running of a media campaign on farm safety in September of this year.