asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been directed to a statement by the coroner at a recent inquest in County Cork on a young boy who died as a result of an accident which involved a beet harvester; if he is aware of the dangers attached to the working of such machines; if it is a fact that they are generally extremely dangerous; what steps he proposes to take to ensure a greater degree of safety in relation to the working of these machines; and if he will direct the attention of the manufacturers to the urgency of dealing with this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Harvesting Machines.
20.
I have seen a press report of the kind mentioned. It is, of course, clear that a certain element of danger is attached to the operation of all types of power-driven machines but I have no reason to think that beet harvesters are any more dangerous to operate than many other kinds of agricultural machines. In fact, my information is that this has been the first instance of a serious accident in this country involving a beet harvester. Furthermore, I understand that the types of beet harvesters used here are accepted as conforming to the safety standards adopted in Britain.
I do not see what can be done to ensure a greater degree of safety in the working of these machines other than to warn all operators of the necessity for exercising common sense and care in their use and for adhering rigidly to manufacturers' instructions.