Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I said, there needs to be constant vigilance in the sector, in particular at high stress times and when trained manpower is not available. That is a problem. Years ago, every farm had a farm labourer who had worked there for 20 or 30 years and was quite skilled at what they did. The problem is that farmers are now drafting in children after junior or leaving certificate years for harvesting. Farmers have no choice. There are obviously inherent dangers in that. We are not trying to blame farmers; it is a very difficult job and has become even more difficult. Machinery has become bigger and the requirements to get work done have become more intense.

Does the authority play any role in conflict resolution in the workplace? A lot of large employers have informal WhatsApp groups because workers organise themselves, for sports clubs or whatever else is going on. Bullying or isolation can occur around that. This is not about making employers responsible. Rather, I refer to developing a code of conduct. There are often industrial relations issues. Does the authority have any role to play in speaking to workers about the importance of the communication they are engaged in? They may speak informally in a group, but that can get back to other people. It is a problem in intense working areas where there are conflicts. What role might the HSA play in that? It is a mental health issue for some people.