Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:1241. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to the Exchequer of proposals by an organisation (details supplied). [36706/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 July 2017
Ceisteanna (1241)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for farm safety. However I am particularly supportive of improving the safety record on farms. The rate of accidents on farms remains far too high and it is important that a focus on safety becomes an integral part of farming culture. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk.
There are a wide range of farm safety elements available for farmers under the TAMS II. The funding of any additional items will come from within the current funding envelope for the TAMS II schemes.
The Farm safety Partnership Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of the Board of the Health and Safety Authority and is funded by the HSA. A mid-term review of the Farm Safety Action Plan 2016-2018 is being undertaken to ensure that all elements within the plan will be achieved. Funding of the Farm Safety Partnership has not been an issue to date and it is expected that the actions under the Farm Safety Action Plan 206-2018 will be achieved.
A new PTO, including cover, costs approximately €180, while a new cover costs approximately €100 - the actual cost depends upon length and required power throughput. If a PTO shaft becomes damaged it will need to be replaced immediately, to enable the farmer to continue working safely. Grant-aid schemes are not suitable for supporting the purchase of replacement PTO shafts, as under the schemes it is necessary to have written approval in place before undertaking any works.
The use of the hydraulic drive system is a possible alternative for machines that have a low power requirement to drive them. These systems remove the need for PTO drives which revolve at high revolutions per minute. However, such systems are not suitable for machines that have a high power requirement such as balers, forage harvesters etc.
My Department continuously reviews the potential for machinery improvements that provide safer working environments.