Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
67. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement he has had with his EU counterparts on requiring all farm vehicles sold in the community to be supplied with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51463/23]
View answerFatal incidents on farms account for over 40% of all workplace fatal incidents with an average of 19 farm fatalities each year over the last 10 years. Farm vehicles and machinery account for over half of these farm fatalities.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is relevant in the agriculture sector, since it can reduce demanding and repetitive tasks while increasing precision and productivity. For example, GPS controlled sprayers help in the more precise application of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide use and minimising operator exposure. Tractors can also be equipped with advanced safety features which minimise the risk of incidents.
GPS steering control for tractors and GPS ready sprayers and fertiliser spreaders are grant aided under TAMS. These grant aided investments, increase efficiency, help reduce the usage of fertiliser and pesticides and include features which help improve safety.
Many of the standards applicable to tractors are Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards rather than EU standards. My Department will continue to monitor developments in relation to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which will include future engagement at both an EU and OECD level.
As you are aware, farmer safety is a priority for me and my Ministerial Colleague Martin Heydon TD who has special responsibility in this area. We very much welcome the development and introduction of technologies which improve farm safety and help reduce the number of fatal and life changing incidents on Irish farms every year.
