asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that the EEC Joint Committee on Social Difficulties of Agricultural Workers is at present studying the safety laws and rules applicable to agricultural workers, farm tractors, implements and machinery and that it appears that farm safety laws apply in each of the other EEC countries and that a report on conditions in each country will be considered by the next meeting of the joint committee; and if he will state the safety regulations in force in this country other than the Chaff Cutting Machines Accident Act and a regulation applicable to tractors used in public places as distinct from farm tractors generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Farm Safety Laws.
25.
My information is that there are three bodies within the EEC, under several directors-general, working on questions of safety codes and rules applicable to agricultural workers and the machinery used on farms. I am aware that one of these bodies is the joint consultative committee on social problems of agricultural workers which is composed exclusively of representatives of agricultural workers and of agricultural employers. While I have not been furnished with copies of the committee's formal agenda or its working papers, a position which I expect will change after the 1st January next, I am advised that the committee has been discussing matters such as safety measures relating to tractors, potato diggers and the like. They have also been discussing vocational training. I understand that the EEC countries have varying pieces of legislation in this whole area but that the legislation is by no means harmonised. Statutory responsibility of the type mentioned in the Deputy's question does not rest with my Department. However, as part of the general review of safety laws at present in progress, my Department will continue consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.