Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he plans to prioritise improvements in farm safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16017/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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This Government is prioritising farm safety, health and wellbeing through the appointment of a Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae T.D. with specific responsibility for the area and a Programme for Government that includes a specific focus on farm safety, mental health and well-being.

Dedicated funding of €2.5 million was secured in Budget 2025 to build on previous efforts to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of our farming community. This funding will be used to deliver a range of initiatives, including ones focusing on farm safety, this year.

The TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme provides grant aid for a wide range of farm safety related investments. The Acceleration of Wear and Tear Allowances for Farm Safety Equipment Scheme was expanded in Budget 2025 to include additional investments which also qualify for TAMS.

Last year, I supported twenty farm safety, health and wellbeing projects under an Open Call, many of which focused on farm safety. The 2025 Open Call is currently being finalised.

I provided funding for the National Farm Safety Measure which grant aids PTO shaft covers at a rate of 60%. It is planned to re-open the scheme again this year.

My Department has partnered with the Health and Safety Authority to deliver a series of targeted media campaigns earlier this year focused on farm safety.

Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague Minister Healy-Rae. This Government will continue to invest in supporting farm safety for the benefit of farmers, their families and the rural communities in which they work and live in.