IFA President Eddie Downey said that fines would not work, and that money is the main reason why farm safety rules are not followed.

He added that stress and exhaustion are also contributing towards the problem.

"Farmers are tired and working long hours," he said. "There is stress around inspection process and that must be looked at. It's too much pressure on one single person."

However, Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspector Pat Griffin said there could be another way to deal with the issue.

"If farmers had to submit proof they did a half day of health and safety training with their Single Farm Payment (SFP) application, that might be a game changer," he said.

Families

Families who lost someone to a farm accident also spoke on the show. Padraig Higgins, the father of six-year-old James, described the moment he found his son.

"It’s a block of shock to get, to hold your lifeless child," he said. "He drowned in a metre of water. It was the start of nightmare we continue to live”

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