Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
780. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the introduction of a farm safety scheme with increased funding for health and safety equipment under TAMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe indicative allocation for the TAMS II scheme over the course of the Rural Development Programme is €395 million.
There are a wide range of farm safety related investments available which are grant-aided under the suite of seven TAMS measures. These are included under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, Organic Capital Investment Scheme, Tillage Capital Investment Scheme and the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme. Grant aid of approximately €5.9 million has been spent on specific Farm safety investments in TAMS II since the scheme opened in 2015.
In addition ‘Health and Safety’ guidelines are included in all ‘Building Specifications,’ drawn up by the Department for the construction of agricultural buildings and structures. The guidelines give advice on best practice and legislation. All animal housing and slurry storage facilities constructed under TAMS II include a range of health and safety related elements that create a safer working environment on farms. Approximately €57 million has been spent on animal housing under the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme since 2016 under TAMS II.
Further to the significant investment being put into farm safety through the TAMS II schemes, my Department is to launch a call under the locally led Innovation Partnership model (EIPs) specifically related to farm safety. This will see the provision of €1m in funding supporting a competitive, ‘locally-led’ call for farm safety initiatives. I see this as a significant step to driving a culture change amongst farmers and I look forward to seeing positive proposals to drive the culture change.
