Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is represented on the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee. The appointment of the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority.

At the request of the Health and Safety Authority, my Department nominates a representative to participate on the Committee. The appointment is usually for the duration of each three-year Farm Safety Action Plan.

The primary role of my Department's representative on the Committee is to work with industry stakeholders on improving occupational safety and health in agriculture. My Department's representative on the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee is involved in the development, promotion and delivery of farm safety, health and wellbeing initiatives within my Department.

My Department is also represented on each of the five Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee working groups and holds the chair of the Buildings, Working at Height working group. These working groups assist the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee in achieving the agreed actions set out in the Farm Safety Action Plan.

Together with my Ministerial colleague, Martin Heydon, we are committed to improving the safety, health and wellbeing of our farming community, and working with the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee is very important in this regard.

Through our close involvement with the Committee, my Department funded the printing and distribution of the Farm Safety Partnership’s booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming” in BISS packs last year and the “How to Make Construction Appointments for Your Farm – Guidance” in the 2024 BISS packs. The latter booklet was produced jointly by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee and the Construction Safety Partnership.