Health and Safety Authority is to be given new powers to improve farm safety.
With 24 farm deaths so far this year, at long last young children are now to be banned from travelling in tractors or other similar farm machinery.
The Health and Safety Authority is to be given sweeping new powers to improve farm safety.
Tougher new measures, expected to be introduced shortly, will mean farmers can be prosecuted for a range of safety breaches, including transporting children under seven years old in tractor cabs or other similar farm vehicles.
Almost three-quarters of all farm accidents this year were caused as a result of coming into contact with machinery.
A focus is also expected to be placed on other farm areas such as uncovered slurry pits.
Possible deal agreed between farmers and meat factories at beef talks.
Agreement has been reached on a deal between farmers and meat factories at beef talks overnight.
With two major protests have taken place at meat plants across Tipperary in recent weeks, at facilities in Roscrea, Nenagh and Cahir, a list of key actions have now been agreed in principal, aimed at addressing the recent concerns of beef farmers, including issues concerning weight specifications.
There are to be no price penalties based on weight until the end of next year and beef processors will provide a price incentive for animals from Quality Assured farms with effect from January1st next.
In a statement, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) stated it was pleased to see movement on its key demands, while the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have stated that recent beef protest sent a clear message to meat factory bosses that farmers must be treated fairly and with respect due.
The accepted concessions have still to be agreed by all parties in the IFA, but farmers at the talks appear to agree that this new deal represents the best possible outcome from their recent negotiations.
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