Farmers are ‘drafting children’ to drive tractors

Due to a shortage of contractors, local farmers have resorted to drafting in teenagers and young family members. This is according to Independent Waterford TD Matt Shanahan, who spoke on the issue at an Oireachtas hearing on the role of the HAS last week.

Deputy Shanahan said: “During harvesting I see sixteen-year-olds driving 150 horse power tractors with ten tonnes of silage behind them. They are racing to try to get over and back.

“I know the HSA is being vigilant, but farmers are under pressure and do not have man power. They end up bringing in their sons and nephews around harvest time, in particular when they are slow getting contractors."

He added, “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.”