As the school year comes to a close, young people working on farms this summer, along with their parents, are being asked to be mindful of farm safety at all times by the Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon. Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal Junior, Minister Heydon said that while it is “really important” that young people can observe and get involved on farms, they have to be mindful of how dangerous it can be.

He said that half of all fatal farm incidents involving children occur during the summer holidays.

Contracting

Michael Moroney, chief executive of the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors (FCI), said that “there are opportunities there” for young people to avail of contracting work, but that it is “so important to be safe”.

Minister Heydon, who said he gained much experience working on the farms of others when he was young, said all contractors must “take time to do training and a run through all safety measures.”