2. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to a recent fatal farm incident in County Limerick involving a farmer in his 90s; and, in light of provisional Health and Safety Authority figures showing that 23 people died in the agriculture sector in 2025, accounting for 40% of all workplace fatalities despite the sector employing approximately 4% of the workforce, the urgent actions his Department is taking to improve farm safety and prevent further loss of life. [6544/26]

Sentiment score: -0.19

The Minister and the Minister of State are aware of the recent fatal farm incidents involving Donal O'Connor, who was in his 90s, in County Limerick and T.J. Sweeney, who was in his 30s, in Clare, in light of the provisional Health and Safety Authority figures showing that 23 people died in the agriculture sector in 2025. That is 40% of all workplace fatalities, despite farmers being only 4% of the workforce. What actions is the Department taking to improve farm safety and prevent further loss of life? I take this opportunity to send condolences to Mr. O'Connor's and Mr. Sweeney's families and friends.

Sentiment score: 0.01

I thank the Minister for putting that funding in. Given the many fatal incidents involving farmers attending livestock alone, can the Minister outline what targeted, practical measures are in place to support farm workers to work safely and whether he will consider enhanced supports and conditions through farm schemes or incentivised safer practices? We need measures as we have an ageing agricultural workforce and many farmers are isolated. We need better measures to protect them. Will the Minister consider introducing a targeted wage subsidy or financial support scheme to enable older, more isolated farmers to hire part-time assistants to reduce workplace risk? Has the Department already examined models that would allow lone farmers on farms to access safety-focused employment support. We will need to implement such schemes to protect farmers' health and safety and workers' rights.

Sentiment score: 0.31

Yes.

Sentiment score: 0.40

We do know this is a problem. It is acknowledged. We have the statistics going back many years. As an aside, I wonder how much loneliness has to do with people still farming into their 70s, 80s and 90s, like Mr. O'Connor was? We know there are certain schemes out there but if a targeted wage subsidy could be considered as part of the Department's work, that would be fantastic. I welcome the funding, the €1.6 million and the €3 million, that is going in. We have acknowledged the problem and, hopefully, the measures the Minister is taking will bring us to a better place.

Sentiment score: 0.17