Members of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) appeared in front of the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday to discuss farm safety. Fines and inspections came under criticism at the meeting.

Speaking to the committee, Deputy Eamon O'Cúiv (FF) said that financial penalties will only exacerbate the issue.

"People don't invest in safety because they do not have the money," he said. "Penalties are not a positive way to move forward."

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice (Ind) added that farmers feel threatened by fines and inspections, while Deputy Martin Heydon (FG) said that farming could not be regulated out of existence.

"More carrot and less stick should be used," he said. "There should be more incentives for farmers."

HSA inspector Pat Griffin said that farmers should not be afraid of inspections. He commented that the HSA has had positive experiences with farmers during inspections and revealed plans to have involvement with 50 discussion groups to educate farmers on farm safety.

CEO of the HSA, Martin O'Halloran, added that education is the way forward.

"We will use education at all levels to support farmers," he said. "We also plan to work with our partners in Northern Ireland to implement awareness campaigns."