The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) is asking the Government to give farmers the opportunity to claim VAT back on farm safety equipment.

In the wake of Farm Safety Week, Patrick Kent, president of the ICSA, says that farmers need to take steps to ensure a “safe working environment on the farm,’’ adding that “a simple measure like this could make a big difference”. He also urges farmers not to skimp or overlook essential safety equipment and protective wear, just to cut costs due to low farm incomes at present.

Farm Safety Week runs from 4 to 8 July and urges farmers to remove and minimise risks around their farm. Kent says that by easing the already high financial burden on farmers, it will “make a contribution to farm safety”.

Over the past week, the Irish Farmers Journal has been highlighting the importance of farm safety and hearing from those affected by the issue.