The Cabinet has approved a measure which will allow farmers who have suffered life-changing injuries to offset the cost of certain machinery modifications against their tax bill.

There will be a prescribed list of measures which farmers will be able to apply for. Hoists for those in wheelchairs and modified controls in tractors are expected to be included.

Minister of State for Farm Safety Martin Heydon told the Irish Farmers Journal farmers will be able to offset the costs of the measures against their tax bill in two years. “They will be able to offset 50% of the cost in year one and 50% in year two. I am absolutely determined that farmers who have suffered a life-changing injury are not left behind,” he said.

Farmers can apply for the scheme through the Department of Agriculture once it is up and running.