Comments targeted at young people working in rural-based farm contracting operations are disappointing, Richard White from the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has said. The statement comes in response to calls for stricter road safety laws for young tractor drivers, made by Fine Gael‘s spokesperson for agriculture Tim Lombard.
Comments targeted at young people working in rural-based farm contracting operations are disappointing, Richard White from the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has said.
The statement comes in response to calls for stricter road safety laws for young tractor drivers, made by Fine Gael‘s spokesperson for agriculture Tim Lombard.
White told the Irish Farmers Journal: “Evidence clearly shows that many older farmers, rather than young tractor drivers, are the tragic victims of fatal farm accidents.
“We have worked with the Road Safety Authority and the Garda Road Traffic Corps to help improve standards of road safety when it comes to operating agricultural tractors and machinery on the public roads.”
White continued: “The road accident reports, show that the relatively low levels of tractor-related road accidents confirms that the farm contractor sector is one that accepts its responsibility when it comes to training young drivers, who start their careers with a learner permit.”
Important role
The FCI has said it believes that young tractor drivers have an important role to play in the farm contractor sector in Ireland.
White said: “These drivers bring skills, energy and enthusiasm to a €700m per-annum farm contracting service that drives Irish agriculture through the use of modern and efficient mechanisation systems.
“Farm contractors in Ireland have invested in modern and safe tractors and machinery while working to nurture the skills of young people so that they become safe and responsible users of farm machinery.”
Farm machinery review
On the other hand, the association’s national chair has welcomed the call to review road safety laws relating to all farm machinery: “The FCI has already sought a meeting with Minister for State for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon TD and we would also welcome the opportunity to discuss these important issues with Senator Lombard.”
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