asked the Minister for Local Government the number of fatal accidents involving the use of farm tractors during the year ended 31st March, 1969; and the reasons for the delay in introducing legislation to provide for safety devices on tractors.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tractor Accidents.
32.
Figures as to the total number of fatal accidents involving the use of farm tractors are not available. A special check made by the Garda Síochána shows that nine persons were killed in the year ended 31st December, 1968, and two persons were killed in the first two months of 1969 as a result of agricultural tractors overturning. As to the second part of the Deputy's question, I do not accept that there has been any undue delay in introducing the necessary regulations to make the fitting of safety frames compulsory. On the 25th January last public notice was given of my intention to make such regulations and an invitation was given to interested parties to submit comments on the proposals to my Department not later than 28th February. These comments have now been considered and drafting of the regulations is in progress and, as I indicated when replying to a similar question by Deputy Tully on 22nd April last, these regulations should be made in about six weeks from that date. Let Deputies take note that Deputy Tully's name was mentioned.
Is the Minister aware that in June, 1965, almost four years ago, the then Minister for Local Government—it was Deputy Blaney, I think—informed me that the Government were about to introduce legislation? What has happened? Surely the Minister must admit that these proposed regulations are coming years too late and that many lives could have been saved if the Government did their duty at that time?
I am not so aware.
(Cavan): The Minister was too busy with the referendum.
The referendum has cost lives.