asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the article on farm accidents published by his Department in the Farm Bulletin of March 1962, in which it is stated that there were fifty fatal accidents attributed to agricultural work in 1961, and tha the number of tractor accidents continues to rise, he will now arrange to introduce legislation for the protection of agricultural workers on the lines of the British Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare Provisions) Act, 1956.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Accidents.
51.
I have no evidence that would lead me to believe that legislation on the lines proposed would be an effective means of preventing farm accidents in this country. It appears to me that the solution to this problem lies in the education of public opinion on the necessity for care in the use of vehicles and machinery rather than in legislation.
Will the Minister say what steps his Department are taking to do exactly what he suggests is the answer to the problem?
I understand that a memorandum on safe tractor driving was issued to advisory officers and attention to the need for care in the use of them is drawn in statements in the Department's Farm Bulletin. The Department has encouraged the National Film Institute and Macra na Feirme to acquire copies of films produced in Great Britain in regard to this matter. Furthermore, copies of a brochure entitled “Call Yourself a Good Driver,” by Fords, in co-operation with Government Departments, were distributed to all local taxation offices for issue to persons renewing tractor licences in 1962.
If the Minister checks the waste paper baskets in the farmers' houses he may find the Ford brochure which is an excellent production but which did not find its way into the hands of tractor drivers. Would the Minister consider it necessary to have a periodic examination of the condition of tractors, which is the cause of many of the accidents?
I am afraid that is another question.
I shall put it down for next week.