PAC NEWSIssue 01 • Volume 01 • Nov 2015The Official Newspaper of The Professional Agricultural Contractors Of Ireland

PAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSA Message From TheCommissioner

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OpportunitiesFor AgriculturalContractors

A MessageFrom TheChairman

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PAC Ireland is delighted to launch it’s new Newsletter foragricultural contractors, which will be mailed to you Free ofCharge six times a year. It will also be available online.Communication is important and this publication, for the veryfirst time, offers agricultural contractors the opportunity to

influence content. Let us know what you want to see in yourNewsletter. You can email or telephone us with your ideas,items of local interest and photographs. I n add i t i on t o ag r i c u l t u ra l con t r a c t o r s , t h i sNewsletter will be distributed to other stakeholders

and key influencers along with local and nationalpublic representatives If you did not receive this Newsletter in the post justcall or email and we will put you on our mailing list– no strings attached.

Introducing PAC News

PAC, in conjunction with Teagasc andsponsored by FBD, will hold aNational Agricultural ContractorsConference and Demonstrations atKildalton Agricultural College,Piltown, Co. Kilkenny on Monday16th November. The conferencetheme is “Prepare for the Future”and all Agricultural Contractors arewelcome to attend.PAC is adamant that the vital roleAgricultural Contractors will playin ensuring that targets forfarming output to 2025 arereached, is recognised by allstakeholders and key influencers.However contractors need to beprepared for change and for newopportunities as they arise. Theaim of this Conference is to givecontractors the tools to run viable busi-nesses and when change occurs to makecertain they are fully prepared to grasp newopportunities. The conference will cover areas wherechange is imminent. Pesticide Use,

Regulations for the Use of AgriculturalMachinery on the Road, Driving forWork (yes this does apply to you),Insurance and Safety, Training andknowledge transfer opportunities,Business Management and Costingyour work. The conference will alsobring information on new technology,including; vehicle and machinery secu-rity, Fuel Quality, Metering andFiltering along with Coupling, Machine

3 Point Linkage QuickHitch and Ball and Spoon,John Deere FarmSight,Tyre Choice and SUDSprayer Testing. Pre Booking is required asspace is limited and forcatering purposes. The€20 Booking fee includes

Tea/Coffee and Danish on Arrival, a2 Course Carvery Lunch withTea/Coffee, All Conference Papersand Parking. You can book on ourwebsite www.pacireland.com or byphoning the office on 090 64 37518

PAC NationalConference andDemonstrations

Thanks to the following companies for their support:

Michael Sheehan Catherine Keena Phil Hogan

PAC NEWS02 November 2015

AdvertisingTel: 01 8400 200info@pacnews.ieSales: Gerry Fitzmaurice

Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. DublinTel: 8 400 200

Contact Us:

NewsdeskTel: 01 8400 200info@pacnews.ieNews Editor: Tom Murphy - 085 853 0722Managing Editor: Gerry Fitzmaurice

PrinterKerry’s Eye

www.pacnews.ie

Contractors,Agricultural contractors I’ve met over the years have often expressed the

wish to have a publication that focused on the very real concerns and

issues facing their industry. The Irish Farmers Journal, Farming

Independent and Cork Farm Exam do a great job for the farming sector

and do from time to time take comments and views in relation to impor-

tant subjects relating to contractors; indeed the annual contractor

supplements are always interesting and welcome. However we have to

accept that it is not realistic for these newspapers to include all the Press

Releases we send to them throughout the year. In recent years PAC has

kept members informed via our website, newsletters, updates and meet-

ings – but this year we have decided to take the plunge and go for it!

PAC NEWS will be sent free of charge to every agricultural contractor in

Ireland along with key influencers and stakeholders. It will be our means

of communicating directly with you. We welcome your input

too……..contact us with suggestions for articles or subjects you would

like to see covered. Finally I would like to thank our publisher and

contributors who supported this venture but most of all the PAC

Contractors who have stayed loyal over many years. This is a tribute

you….. Enjoy.Tom Murphy

Letter From The Editor’s Desk PAC CHAIRMAN Michael SheehanThis is a great day for agricul-tural contractors. To have apublication like PAC NEWSdedicated to our industry is agreat achievement. This is ourvoice and a place where wecan express freely theconcerns and issues we face.Many contractors are alsofarmers but PAC NEWS willconcentrate on the contractingside of things. I have to takemy hat off to PAC Ireland fordriving this initiative and to allthose who have worked hard to get this first issue off theground. But now it is down to us contractors to let the officeknow what you want to see in your newsletter. You can dothis via the website www.pacireland.com or by telephoningthe dedicated newsletter phone line.As we come to the end of what has been yet another difficultyear for our industry with the usual weather issues, fuel pricefluctuations and cash flow problems along with the everpresent Shadow Economy, I hope all of you will end the yearshowing some profit for your endeavours. PAC in conjunc-tion with Teagasc will be hold a National Conference andDemonstrations for Agricultural Contractors on 16thNovember at Teagasc Agricultural College, Kildalton. Therewill be a varied programme of speakers including an indepth presentation on costing. I hope to see many of youthere where we will have the chance to meet, chat andcontribute to a very interesting day.Michael Sheehan – Agricultural Contractor, Co. Tipperary

Introducing Teagasc ConnectEdAgricultural contractorsprovide vital services to anincreasingly specialised agri-food sector in Ireland.Continuous and carefulinvestment in machinery is amust for agricultural contrac-tors but now, more thanever, investment in educationand access to up to dateknowledge are crucial to theprofitability of any business.It is well established that thefuture competitiveness ofIrish agriculture dependsheavily on access to up-to-date and productive new tech-nologies. The recentlypublished Foodwise 2025strategy describes the agri-foodsector as an increasinglyknowledge-intensive business.The report identifies educationand skills development as crit-ical for success and that theremust be an emphasis on up-skilling and training ambitiouspeople to drive the futuredevelopment of the sector.Irish farmers have developed astrong appetite for new knowl-edge, new technologies andsolid advice so that they cangrow their businesses to theirful l potential. Farming inIreland is becoming increas-ingly specialised and, as aresult, higher demands arebeing placed on the services

The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

that support the sector.Teagasc has identif ied theneed for improved engage-ment, education and skil lsdevelopment for services thatsupport the sector.Teagasc ConnectEdTeagasc has developed a newand innovative programmewhich aims to extend its knowl-edge support services toprofessionals and corporates inIreland. The TeagascConnectEd Programme hasbeen designed to meet theneeds of businesses such asagricultural contractors whoprovide essential services andsupport to the farmers acrossIreland. The name ConnectEdis derived from the objective ofthe programme: to createstronger l inkages betweenTeagasc and businesses that

support the agri-food sector.The programme will seek todevelop networking opportu-nities for different professionswhile at the same timeproviding high quality profes-sional development opportu-nities in areas such as Landdrainage, Farm business,Crop management, Farmfinancial planning, Soilfert i l i ty management,Professional sprayer courses,Grassland management,Dairy production, Beefproduction, Animal health

and Animal welfare.Agricultural Contractors cannow sign up as members ofTeagasc ConnectEd and takefull advantage of the many

services on offer. As amember of Teagasc ConnectEdyou will receive:• Regular industry updates• Today’s Farm (x 6), T-Research (x 4), AdvisoryNewsletters (x12)• Invitations to Teagasc events• Access to high quality profes-sional education programmes• Invitations to regional profes-sional networking events• Specialist enterprise updatesand briefings• Online tools exclusive toConnectEd MembersTeagasc is committed togrowing its range of coursesand will work closely with theindustry to develop educationprogrammes to meet the needs

Mark Gibson, TeagascConnectEd Programme

Manager

of Agricultural Contractors inIreland. As a member of theTeagasc ConnectEdProgramme you wil l haveaccess to the most up to dateagricultural research andknowledge base in Ireland.Education and training will bedelivered in a format that bestsuits the needs of busy profes-sionals.

If you are interested in joiningor finding out more about theTeagasc ConnectEdProgramme and how it canbenefi t your business visi twww.teagasc.ie/connected oremail connected@teagasc.ie

Does The Sustainable UseOf Pesticides DirectiveApply To You?YES I f you applyProfessional Use PlantProtection Products such asWeedkillers, Fungicides orInsecticides. Examples:• I spray grassland, arable

crops etc. with a sprayer –I need to register.

• I spot-spray knapsack orlance – I need to register.

• I am a farmer carryingout the above tasks – Ineed to register.

• I am a farmer using acontractor to spray – Thecontractor must be regis-tered.

As a professional useryou must register underthe Sustainable UseDirective (SUD) by 26thNovember, 2015 go towww.agfood.ie BUT in order to be regis-tered you must have theappropriate trainingIf you have alreadycompleted any of thecourses listed below,you can register straightaway on www.agfood.ie • Teagasc Pesticide

Application course (as

part of 1 or 2 year qualifi-cation).

• Teagasc PesticideApplication stand aloneshort course.

• FETAC 5N1797 – BoomSprayer.

• City & Guilds PA1 +PA2a – Boom Sprayer.

• FETAC 5N0731Handheld Sprayer.

• City & Guilds PA1 + PA6Handheld Sprayer.

If you have not completedany of the courses listedabove check out the

Teagasc website for a listof Pesticide User TrainingProviders.www.teagasc.ie

You will be required topresent proof of yourqualification should yoube subject to a DAFMinspectionThese are some generalguidelines for AgriculturalContractors with relation tospraying. Come to thePAC/Teagasc Conferenceto get the full low down,including demonstrations.

RevisedStandards forAgriculturalVehicles onPublic RoadsPAC welcomed the introduction by theRoad Safety Authority of new regulations“Standards for Agricultural Vehicles onPublic Roads”. Please call the office on090 6437518 for a copy of the officialpublication including recent amendments For many years PAC worked with the RSA,Department of Transport and variousCommittees to ensure that proposed legis-lation would not only make our roads asafer place but also ensure that the inter-ests and concerns of agricultural contrac-tors were taken into consideration.PAC’s input was instrumental in havingamendments made to proposals containedin the Draft Weights and DimensionsRegulations. PAC contractors were broughtin on negotiations with the RSA to adviseon technical issues. Huge Thanks to thosecontractors who participated and also toour Chairman Michael Sheehan for hisvaluable contributions.PAC is also pleased that it’s vehement

opposition to an across the board speedreduction to a maximum of 40km/h for alltractors has been taken on board. Thiswould have caused extreme frustration totractor drivers and other drivers usingpublic roads.Come along to the PAC/Teagasc confer-ence (see front page) to hear directly fromRoad Safety Authority officials what thesenew regulations will mean for agriculturalcontractors when they come into force inJanuary 2016.

PAC NEWS 03November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

I am delighted to be able to send this message of support on the occasion of PACAgricultural Contractors National Conference in Kilkenny, the county that I know best! Agri-contractors have always led the way in the development of a dynamic ruraleconomy and vibrant farm sector. Ireland's Rural Development Plan (RDP), backed by€2.19 billion of European funds up to 2020, aims to work in partnership with contrac-tors to facilitate investment and modernization in Irish agriculture. Under the RDP, Irish farms and agri-businesses can access new investment, to increasecompetitiveness, productivity and jobs, all the while respecting environmental objec-tives. Agri-contractors will continue to be at the cutting-edge of technological innova-tion in the farm sector. You are catalysts in the drive to make agriculture more efficientand more productive, through the technical knowledge, pest management skills andsophisticated equipment you bring to the job at hand.Under the RDP, LEADER funds will continue to aid the purchase of new machinery andequipment. Overall, 111,600 agri-sector training places will be created for youngpeople in particular to increase their knowledge and skills, and ultimately LEADER fundsare expected to create over 3,000 jobs in rural areas. Under the reformed CAP, agri-contractors will also continue to provide leadership byhelping farmers to adapt to the challenges facing 21st century agriculture, from smartinnovation, precision farming and environmental conservation to the ever-present needto produce more, using less. Market difficulties and price pressures in recent months have been a cause for realconcern to farmers and agri-businesses across Europe. The €500 million solidaritypackage, which I recently unveiled, is targeted at improving cashflow in the short termand stabilising markets to ensure a vibrant farm sector in the medium to long term.. Asyou address today's theme, “Agricultural Contractors – Prepare for the Future”, I wantto assure you of the European Commission's ongoing commitment to European andIrish agriculture. I look forward to co-operating with agri-contractors to aid andenhance your vital leadership in the Irish agri-food sector.

Phil HoganEuropean Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development

Your work as an agricultural contractor is demanding. You want to be confident thatthe very real issues affecting your business are being brought to the attention of keyinfluencers and stakeholders. However to be taken seriously you need to ensure that you are realistic and pick your battles care-fully. There is a professional protocol that should be followed when dealing with National andEuropean government officials, financial institutions and other officials, state bodies and agencies.Table thumping does not work and diminishes your credibility and the ability to achieve your objec-tives. Your representatives must be credible and without vested-interests.We are moving into an era where reports confirm that the future of farming will rely heavily on agri-cultural contractors to provide mechanical and land management services to an increasinglyspecialised farming sector. To fulfil this potential the agricultural contracting sector will need to up itsgame in order to reap the rewards. PAC will be there to support you in every way, just as it hasdone successfully for many years.Are you a professional? Do you want to work hard at improving your business? Do you want to berepresented by Professionals? Then it’s time for you to Back PAC !!Contact the Office on 090 6437518 or go to the PAC Website on www.pacireland.com tosubscribe.

SHARE YOUR VOICE AND OPINIONS AND DIRECT THE POLCY THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS

PAC IRELAND• Policy decided by agricultural contractors - Carried out by a Professional Administration.• Standing firm for the interests of agricultural contractors • PAC Officials are respected in the corridors of power• Highly regarded by financial institutions• Representing contractors on committees, working parties, government agencies and NGO’s.• Responding to calls for public and specialist consultation.• Monitoring National and European Legislation• Discussion Groups/Meetings/Conferences• Regular communication via PAC NEWS and Website• Confidential, unbiased and impartial advice on

business related matters

Dear

delegates,

JOIN PAC

Zurich Farmer of the Year Awards 2015

Although this event was a few months ago PAC would liketo congratulate Thomas Moloney of Cahir, Co. Tipperary,who was a winner for the second year in succession.Thomas runs a contracting business and farm with hisfather James and is a long standing member of PAC.Last year Thomas won “Contractor of the Year” and thisyear he beat stiff opposition for the “Safe Farm Award.”PAC Ireland’s Tom Murphy attended the event that thattook place in May at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin, hecommented that it was a great night attended by leadersand stakeholders in agriculture, machinery manufacturers,finalists and competitors. It was a difficult job for thejudges to select winners and PAC congratulates all whoentered under the various categories.

Thomas Moloney receives the prestigious Safe Farm Award.L-R: Tom Murphy (PAC) Jim Dockery (FRS) Thomas Moloney, Jim Moloney, Prof. Jim Phelan (UCD) and Pat Griffin (HSA)

Embrace FARM was founded by Brian Rohan and his wife Norma, a farming familyfrom Shanahoe, Co. Laois, in 2014 to provide a bereavement support group for fami-lies who, like them, have lost a loved one or, indeed, suffered serious injury in afarming accident. Brian's father Liam lost his life as a result of such an accident, whichtook place on the family farm on June 19th 2012. Rather than just accepting fate,Brian and his wife Norma founded Embrace FARM in Liam's memoryPAC Ireland supports the aims of Embrace Farm in providing support to bereavedfamilies through bereavement support sessions and an annual remembrance service.Embrace FARM successfully lobbied Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to establisha liaison officer in the Department of Agriculture to provide a support service for thosewho have suffered sudden tragedies and face subsequent challenges in their dealingswith issues surrounding ownership, entitlements, scheme applications, succession andinheritance etc.This advisory service can be contacted at qualityserviceunit@agriculture.gov.ie or lo-call0761 064445 . Embrace FARM has also recently embarked on a farm safety aware-ness programme that was launched with a video campaign 'What's Left Behind'(supported by ABP Food Group). Here we hear the personal testimony and harrowinglegacy of agricultural accidents.Visit the Embrace Farm website on www.embracefarm.com

Norma and Brian Rohan with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.

Safe In The Chain Gang

The second thing you have toconsider is your personal safetywhilst using the machinery. We chatted to John Riordan ofwww.irishforestryproducts.ie , inLimerick, about basic safety tipsthat every good saw user shouldbe adhering to. “Without ensuring that you’reusing the chainsaw correctly youare putting your own life and thelives of others at serious risk.” Thefirst thing you should check, espe-cially if you are buying a secondhand one, is that it is a certifiedchainsaw. “Your chainsaw mustbe certified and in date to use it.Chainsaws go out of date, so theidea that you could buy one nowand still be using thesame one ten yearslater is out of thequestion. You mustcheck to make surethey are in datebefore you use them.” If you arebuying a new one this won’t be aproblem, however if you plan onpurchasing a second hand oneask to see the original warrantybefore purchase. If it is more than5 years old it’s too old to use. Another key thing to realise is thatyou must wear safety clothingwhilst using a chainsaw,chainsaw trousers, safety shoes,hard hats and goggles are allrecommended whilst using anycalibre of saw. On this issue Johnsaid: “All safety equipment mustbe certified and in date. Hardhats go out of date.” The use bydate on a hard hat can be foundprinted to the rear of the hat. It isprobably most important to wearchainsaw trousers. These aretrousers made from a heavy duty,specially designed material , with

inserts between two pockets offabric that rip out and wraparound the chain of the sawshould you cut your leg. Thereare two types, type A and Type C,type A has all of the protectiveinserts to the front of the trousers,while type C have protectiveinserts all around the trousers.The type of work you are doingwill dictate which trousers are bestsuited to your needs. “Chainsawtrousers don’t go out of date,however if they get scratched ornicked in anyway it’simpor tan tthat youc h a n g e

them for newones. If you were unlucky enoughto hit the same place twice onyour trousers you could seriouslyinjure yourself or even loose aleg. The same goes for safetyshoes.”Before you use any chainsaw it isnecessary that they have thefollowing safety features:• Front hand guard bar. This isused to stop your hand from slip-ping down and making contactwith the chain. • Throttle trigger interlock. Stopsthe throttle from opening acciden-tally. • Stop switch• Rear hand guard which isdesigned to protect your handfrom a broken chain.• Spark arrester which stopssparks coming from the exhaust

But one of the most importantsafety features, according toJohn, is the chain brake. “Themost important thing is to makesure that the chain brake isworking. This is very important.While using a chain saw thechain can get caught in timber orwhatever you’re cutting and flyback and hit you in the face. Thechain brake stops this fromhappening.” This is why it is alsoimportant to wear goggles or avisor whilst using a chainsaw. In order for these personal safetymeasures to mean anything it isalso important that you keep upwith the maintenance of yoursaw. You should always keepyour chain lubricated and clean.If the chainsaw isn’t going to bein use for several months at atime, make sure you drain thefuel from the tank and exhaust.“You should do this by runningthe saw until it stops, then take

the chain off and keepit in a drum, or what-ever container youhave, of oil. With asecurely tightened lid”Spend some timebefore each usechecking your equip-ment, tightening

screws, nuts and bolts, checkingthe air filter, and checking youridle speed. “Using a chainsaw can be ahazardous thing, but once youfollow proper procedure with it itsone of the most useful tools tohave at hand” Whether you are a first time useror an old stalwart safety shouldalways come first. Rememberingthese small but integral parts ofchainsaw upkeep and safetycould mean the differencebetween a felled tree or a felledlimb. There are a number of placesthroughout the country that runchainsaw training, treecareire-land.com have a number ofaccredited courses for bothbeginners and advanced users.

Embrace FARMSupporting families after the loss of a loved one

If you’re in the market for a new chainsaw, there is alot to consider. First you have to ensure that you arepurchasing a high quality product. Second you have toensure that you are buying a chainsaw that suits yourspecific needs. For example you don’t want a heavy weight chainsaw if you’re only going to be usingit for smaller tasks such as cutting fire wood or fellingsmall trees.

PAC NEWS04 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS

There is good money in coppicinghedges in GLAS but it must bedone right. While contractors areengaged by farmers to carry outwork, the influence of contractorson hedgerow management inIreland is unques-tionable. The agri-environ-ment scheme GLAS2 is now open forthe next month orso. One of theactions available tofarmers is toc o p p i c ehedgerows. Apayment of €2.20per metre per yearfor five years isavailable. Themaximum linearlength for paymentthat can becoppiced is 750metres. The reason forcoppicing is torejuvenate hedgerows, whichthrough lack of appropriatemanagement have grown highand ‘escaped’ but have not yetbecome a line of mature treeswith a full canopy. They are typi-

cally thin at the base with gapsbetween the shrubs. They are nolonger stock-proof and no longeruseful to small birds andmammals, for whom the base ofa hedgerow should provide

shelter, cover andhibernation andnest sites. Choose suitablehedgesThe first crit icalissue is choosingsuitable hedgerowsfor coppicing.Once the GLASapplication issubmitted, nochanges areallowed to actionschosen or theirlocation. Teagascadvise farmers to discuss any proposedcoppicing with thecontractor who willbe completing the

job. Hedgerows suitable forcoppicing contain predominantlywhitethorn shrubs, with at leastone stem per metre so no infillingis required. It is extremely difficultto get successful establishment of

new plants in an old hedgerowSome ‘escaped’ hedgerows in thepast have been cut at the incor-rect height of a metre or so whichhas resulted in new growth at thislevel leaving the base gappy.These ‘toilet brush’ hedges maybe suitable for coppicing now atthe correct height.Cut to ground levelCut stems close to ground level –less than 15cms from the soil.New growth will come from justbelow the cut stump, so it isessential to cut as low as possibleto ensure a stock-proof hedgewith the growth occurring where itis required – at ground level. Itmay not always be possible tocomplete the job with a circularsaw, where the ground is roughor contains stones which willdamage the blade. Often it ispreferable to do the heavy cuttingwith a circular saw and do thefinal cut to the stumps with achainsaw. A clean sloping cut isrequired at the end of the processto allow rain run off, and thewound to heal, preventingdisease entering through roughcuts.Retain a few whitethorntreesMature trees must be retained.These are usually oak and ash.Hedgerows suitable for coppicingshould only contain a few ofthese. Remember to retain a fewwhitethorn trees within every

hedgerow. In the Irish country-side, mature flowering whitethorntrees are an incredibly importantsource of pollen and nectar forour bees and food for birds.Coppicing removes a lot of flow-ering whitethorn, but this is allevi-ated if occasional maturewhitethorn trees are retainedwithin the newly rejuvenatedhedgerow.

Coppicing hedgesin GLAS

Catherine Keena, TeagascCountryside ManagementSpecialist

Hedgerow cut to ground level will result in new growth where required

Hedgerows suitable for coppicing have grown up and ‘escaped’ but still haveat least one stem of whitethorn per metre and will not require infilling withnew plants

Leaving a few mature whitethorntrees within a coppiced hedgeprovides flowers for bees and hawsfor birds.

Agricultural Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign 2015 The EPA hazardous waste collection scheme helps thoseinvolved in agriculture to comply with various EU andnational legislation and quality assurance schemes. Italso supports the aims of the National Hazardous WasteManagement Plan and Food Wise 2025.

1. Each waste type must be clearly identifiable, segre-gated and packaged to avoid leaks during trans-port and off-loading.

2. Only identified wastes will be accepted; wasteswhich cannot be identified or are not clearlylabelled will NOT be accepted.

3. Waste engine and hydraulic oils should not bemixed with any other substances includingvegetable oil.

4. Mixed wastes will NOT be accepted on site.5. All needles and syringes to be delivered to the

centres in a separate sealed container.

6. Load wastes for transportation so that they can beoff-loaded at the 3 main operational areas:- Waste oil acceptance area- WEEE and battery acceptance area- Hazardous waste acceptance area

7. You will be asked to off-load at the collectioncentres as directed by site operatives.

8. Payment by cash, cheque or card required on theday. All wastes will be rounded up to the nearestkilogram and charged accordingly.

9. You will be issued with a payment receipt and acertificate of transfer of the control of waste.

10. Farm plastics such as silage wrap, fertiliser andfeed bags, netting; and triple rinsed clean pesti-cide and dairy hygiene containers will NOT beaccepted, recycle these through your local farmplastic recycling bring centre.

11. Wastes can NOT be dropped off before or AFTERthe designated collection day.

12. Collection centres will operate between the hoursof 9:30 am to 3:30pm.

13. You will be responsible for all your agriculturalhazardous waste until acceptance of waste isconfirmed.

By following the guidelines provided by the EPA on handling, segregation and packaging of hazardous waste you will greatly assist in the efficientand safe operation of the collection centres

PAC NEWS 05November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

Collection Centres (open 9:30am - 3:30pm)

Saturday 14th November .........Castleisland Mart, Co. KerryTuesday 17th November ...........Cahir Mart, Co. TipperaryFriday 20th November..............Deeside Agri Country Store, Ardee, Co. LouthWednesday 25th November......New Ross Mart, Co.WexfordFriday 27th November..............Bandon Mart, Co.Cork

Pesticides and biocides; veterinary medicines and animal health-care wastes; needles andsyringes; waste paints; aerosols; corrosives (acids, detergents); oil and air filters; oily wastes;brake fluids; brake pads; antifreeze; adhesives; coolants; grease cartridges; creosote

All charged at €2/kg(excl. VAT@ 13.5%)

€4/kg(excl.VAT@ 13.5%)

Free of charge

Free of charge

Contaminated empty plastic containers (which would have contained for example pesticide;biocides; dairy hygiene products; paints; waste oils; antifreeze, creosote etc.). Containersizes will include 1 litre; 5 litre; 10 litre; 15 litre; 20 litre; 25 litre and 205 litre

Waste engine oil and waste hydraulic oil and their containers which are used for the trans-port of these waste oils to the collection centre

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) (e.g., TVs, computers, fridges, freezers,power tools, kettles); all batteries and fluorescent lamps including CLFs

WASTE TYPES ACCEPTED COST

Wildlife Act Section 40 – PAC Recommendation Taken OnboardPAC Ireland is always gratified when recommendations contained in it’s submissions for public consultation are taken onboard. Most recently our Submission to the Minster for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, recommended the formation of aWorking Group of key stakeholders to review issues relating to the maintenance, management and preservation of IrishHedgerows. PAC is pleased our proposal has been taken on board and will work closely with the relevant bodies toachieve this objective. The first stage in the plan of action is to gather relevant information from key stakeholders, including hedge cuttingcontractors. At present a questionnaire is being devised specifically for hedge cutting contractors to establish currentprotocols, practices and methods, identify areas of contention and seek ideas for change. Once the questionnaire isavailable to us PAC will circulate to members and provide a link to it on our website. This is an important step in reconciling the needs of roadside biodiversity with public safety and meeting the concernsand needs of farmers and therefore agricultural contractors.Check out our website for regular updates on this subject.

For any agricultural contractor, thepriority will always be getting the jobdone rather than getting the invoicesout. Often, they get put to the bottom ofthe to-do list, with getting the crop intothe ground or the harvest in coming first. And, to an extent, that’s how farmersexpect contractors to be. But there has tobe a balance, and having a firm billingstructure is crucial to any contractingbusiness, according to Neil Cox,Accountant.“There is no magic wand or one rightanswer to getting paid,” he explains.“The first step is to take care not to letthings get out of hand and keep a tightrecord of what work is being done.“Then work with your customer to createa customer profile. A lot of this can bedone in the office, with some key ques-tions being asked when you call in toprice a job or see a customer,” he adds.“For example, if it’s a dairy business,establish when the milk cheque comesin, as there’s more chance of your billbeing paid after a certain point in themonth than before it.”Customers Cashflow Try to identify the periods when youknow there will be a difficulty in cashflowfor certain customers and work this intothe invoicing structure, suggests NeilCox.“For arable businesses, perhaps skewthe billing until after harvest, but becareful not to leave billing too far downthe line. If it’s a stubble-to-stubblecontract, a standing order rather than alump sum might be a sensible option.”A Standing Order arrangement can alsobe used for those already with a debt, inorder for them to catch up before thenext silaging or harvesting time. A directdebit is also an option, as these can’t beforgotten.Planning and CommunicationFor both existing and new customers,talk to them before doing the work andgive them a quote for doing the job.“Problems arise when people don’t talk.By talking to your customers andkeeping them informed of what thingsare going to cost you make sure there

are no surprises. And when the billarrives, there is nothing to push back ordelay on as they have been told theinformation before the work was carriedout.”Timely Billing is KeyDuring busy times, it’s all too easy to fallbehind on invoicing. But sendinginvoices out sometimes six months ormore after a job has been completedcan be detrimental for several reasons.“The first is for the customer’s cashflowand the onward tax implications latebilling can result in. When a job is done,often customers have the cash or planfor when the bill comes through. If thebill doesn’t come through, it’s suddenlynot as urgent and therefore can bepushed to the back of people’s minds.”The second problem that arises with latebilling is that contractors can put them-selves on the back foot by billing late.“People can’t remember the work that’sbeen done quite as clearly. What was agood job that they were happy with mayhave faded in their memories anddiscrepancies can arise. The longer it’sbeen, the more opportunity for bills tobe queried and this can lead to furtherdelay in payment.“Be timely, but sensible. Customersprobably won’t appreciate you handingthem the bill when you’re rolling out ofthe gate, but don’t leave it too longbefore invoicing, either.”The person in the office is very impor-tant, be that your wife, the office staff, oryourself if you’re a one-man band.“Spending a morning in the office is afar quicker way of earning a few thou-sand pounds than going to spread anextra few loads of muck,” says Neil.Develop a statement cycle, he advises.After sending out the first invoice, followthis up after 45 days, then 65 days andthen finally start to get a bit moreforceful. “But often, communication willstop it going that far. Just calling up toremind the person of a bill often resultsin a cheque being issued then andthere.”Problem payersThere are bound to be customers that

are notoriously bad at paying invoices.Many will have had to change contrac-tors to get jobs done because theyhaven’t paid in the past.“This is always a difficult situation. Iwould suggest getting them to pay halfthe money upfront before you even startthe job – at least you then have some-thing to tide you over until they do pay.“Unless there’s a very good reason, veryfew farmers fail to pay. But if you knowa person is bad at paying, seriouslyconsider not doing the job. It’s better foryour business to say no, rather thanbuilding up your own overheads, depre-ciation and wear and tear.“Goodwill has to work both ways, andthere’s always a degree of flexibilitythat’s possible – but be careful of beingso busy you’re not making any money.”Look at your own CashflowContractors also need to look at theirown cashflow profile. “Identify whereyour own cashflow pinch-points are andwarn your bank of when these mightarise.“For example, if you’re about to go intosilaging, there will be a period of timewhen payments won’t be coming in, buta lot of money will be going out. “Sit down with your bank manager andtell him when these shortfalls will occur,rather than ringing him on a Fridayafternoon and asking for an extension inyour overdraft – you will have morebargaining power.” PAC supports this advice wholeheartedlyand has always advised that talking andplanning with your farmers pays divi-dends for both sides.Acknowledgement to Emily Padfield andNAAC

Top Tips on Howto Get Paid

Contributor: Emily Padfield, Author atFarmers Weekly

According to CSO figures, the number of people currentlyemployed in the Agriculture and Forestry industry is back on theincrease with 112,500 people employed in Q2 of this year (CSO,2015) versus 109,800 in the same period last year. What distin-guishes people working in this sector over those in other sectors isthe volume of Lone Workers, significant machinery operation andalso significant manual handling involved in their work.In that context it is more important to distinguish the purpose ofHealth and Safety legislation and mandatory training initiatives, interms of their value and importance in getting you home safely atthe end of the day, over the perceived bureaucracy of the industry.Some exceptional tools are available to help rather than hinder youin both compliance with legal requirements and arguably, the farmore important goal of maintaining the health and safety of thoseyou work with, possibly your family and indeed yourself! Outside of the audits that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA)complete, they have invested significant resources in developingfree tools for the industry to assist with legal compliance and alsotools to keep you safe. The overarching tool created is theAgriculture Code of Practice (HSA, 2015) which is freely availableon the HSA website. This one document includes everything from easy to use picturetools to outlining the “System” of work in operation of any task toensure you cover all safety elements of the task to proving guid-ance on things like, safety when working with slurry pits, electricalsafety and safety with machinery.The Agriculture and Forestry Sector currently accounts for a fargreater proportion of fatalities and accidents than any other sectorwhich is both preventable and within your control to avoid. In terms of Health and Safety in the Agriculture and ForestryIndustry, please visit the Health and Safety Authority’s websitewww.hsa.ie for further information and useful training toolscovering areas such as; Vehicles & Machinery, Livestock, Young &Elderly on Farms, Other Hazards and Forestry. Other useful links:• Irish Farmers Association (http://www.ifa.ie)• Teagasc (http://www.teagasc.ie)• Dept. of Agriculture Food and the Marine

(http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/)

Contractors!Machine Safety!

BibliographyCSO. (2015, November 4). QNHS Releases and Publications. Retrieved from CSO:http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/qnhs/quarterlynationalhouseholdsur-veyquarter22015/HSA. (2015, November 4). Agriculture Code of Practice. Retrieved from www.hsa.ie:http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Agriculture_and_Forestry/Agriculture_Code_of_Practice.htmlHSA. (2015, November 4). Fatal Accidents . Retrieved from www.hsa.ie:http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agriculture_Forestry/Further_Information/Fatal_Accidents/

Fig above reproduced with thanks to the Health andSafety Authority (HSA, Fatal Accidents , 2015)

PAC NEWS06 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

Four FREE Easy Steps to PreparingYour Safety Statement – BeSMART.ieBesmart.ie is a free, easy to use, online tool devel-oped for small business by the Health and SafetyAuthority (HSA) and it is now available toAgribusinesses, including Agricultural Contractors.

Health and safety lawapplies to al l businessesregardless of size. You needto effectively manage safetyand health in your work-place. Preparing a writtensafety statement for yourbusiness is essential. Untilnow small businesses strug-gled with the requirement toprepare a safety statement interms of cost, t ime andcompetence. Now they cando so easi ly and free ofcharge at BeSMART.ie.BeSMART.ie was developedby the HSA as part of the‘Taking Care of Business’initiative, which supports andassists owners/managers indealing with health and

safety in their business in away that is quicker, easierand cheaper. The benefits ofusing this service are:• Reduced accidents andincidents in the workplace• Simplified management ofHealth & Safety• Free guidance andsupport• Reduced costs • Improved staff moraleI t makes good businesssense to effectively managehealth and safety. Can youafford to have an accidentin your workplace? Wil lyour business survive it? Aworkplace accident canhave a disproport ionateimpact on small businesses

compared to larger organi-sations. Small businessesoften rely on one or two keyemployees and the impactfollowing the loss of a keyemployee due to prolongedabsence after a workplaceaccident can be devastating.This is on top of potentialadditional costs in the formof higher insurancepremiums or compensationpayments. BeSMART. ie is wri t ten inplain English and it guidesyou through a 4 s tepprocess, s tar t ing wi thsearching for your businesstype and ending wi thprinting off your safety state-ment, which you can print,download and edit as needsbe. BeSMART.ie does all thehard work for you, andremember:• It’s free, online and avail-

able 24/7 at a time andlocation that suits you

• Once you register you cansave and continue at anytime

• It’s confidentialIn addition, BeSMART.ie haswithin i ts ‘Learn More’section, a library of informa-tion, checklists, videos, e-learning and guidance thatwill help you to understandwhat you need to do toprotect your workers andyour business. Like every-thing else on BeSMART.ie it’sabsolutely free!29,000 small businesses inIreland have already takenadvantage of this freeresource by selecting one ofthe 250 business types avail-able. There are now 15Agribusiness types availableon BeSMART.ie including:• Slurry Contractor

• Silage Contractor• Spraying Contractor• Tillage Contractor• Agricultural ContractorSo what are you waiting for?!

Start now to improve yourhealth and safety standards,reduce your costs and bebusiness smart by going towww.BeSMART.ie today!

Always Farm Safely with ElectricityThere are no Second ChancesSafety is a critical issue in farming andelectricity is one of the main hazardswhich everyone involved in farmingmust never become complacent about.Electricity is a powerful and safe sourceof energy but can be a significanthazard in the workplace, in the home,in the community if inadvertent contacttakes place. Thats why ESB Networkshas always considered safety to be anabsolute priority. Accidents arepreventable and ESB Networks iscommitted to raising the awareness offarmers and agricultural contractors ofthe importance of electrical safetywhen farming. Improving safety is very much aboutchanging our personal attitude, ourbehaviours, as well as influencing others tochange. As part of ESB Networks’ commit-ment to electrical safety, we implement publicsafety information programmes to explainthe danger of coming into contact with over-head electricity wires and undergroundcables, and to highlight the safety precau-tions that each individual must take to staysafe.Working near overhead electricity power linesis one of the main causes of electrical acci-dents and ‘near misses’ on farms. Many ofthe serious accidents that have happenedcould have been prevented if a few simpleprecautions were taken. When operating tallmachinery there is a chance that you willcome close to overhead electricity wires.Before starting work, carry out a simple visualcheck and if you are concerned, contact theESB Networks emergency number: 1850 372999.In one accident a forage harvester wasworking very close to an overhead power lineand caused the electricity to jump so that the

machine became ‘live with high voltage elec-tricity’. In another case, an overhead powerline tripped out when a slurry spreader/watergun caused an electrical flash because theliquid jet came too close to the electricitywires. In this case the driver was lucky not tobe electrocuted because the liquid caused thehigh voltage electricity to travel from the over-head power line to the slurry spreader.Electricity can jump across a gap; you don’thave to make actual or sustained contact tobe electrocuted.There have been many ‘near misses’ whenelectricity poles have been struck bymachinery. When this happened recently thepole broke and the live overhead wireslanded on the tractor cab. ESB Networksused this incident to make a safety video toeducate and hopefully prevent a re-occur-rence. This “Electrical Farm Accident – Alucky Escape” is available on You Tube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHUkFxMyRYThere have also been many ‘near misses’where high loads have pulled down electricity

wires in fields and on public roads.In these situations, people couldhave been electrocuted becausethese fallen wires carry high voltagesand currents, and are extremelydangerous. It is important to neverhandle fallen electricity wires. Stay wires on poles are much moreimportant than they appear becausewhen they are damaged the over-head structure is substantially weak-ened and the height of the overheadwires can be reducedand end up resting onhedges. In thesecircumstances otherpeople’s safety is putat risk, electricity

supply to neighbouring farmsand homes may be interruptedand vulnerable people may beput at risk. It is important toinform ESB Networks immedi-ately. Unsafe or poorly maintainedelectrical installations in farmyards and sheds are anothermajor cause of electrical acci-dents on farms, sometimesleading to fires. For exampleall electrical equipment needsto be properly rated for theelements, especially water and dust.Electrical equipment needs to be visuallyinspected before use and the electricalinstallation needs to be regularly checked bya registered electrical contractor.The human body is not designed to carryelectricity. That is why the most importantsafety device in your family home is the RCD(Residual Current Device/trip switch; makesure you have one! ESB Networks recom-

mends that you test the RCD, at least twice,for example when the clocks change. As part of ESB Networks’ commitment tosafety, we implement a wide range of publicsafety campaigns using radio, press andsocial media. For example we currentlysponsor the weather forecast on RTE Radio 1where you can listen to important electricalsafety messages.We have also launched a new primaryschools electrical safety education campaignwith the theme – “Stay Safe, Stay Clear of

electricity wires”. I encourage everyoneinvolved in farming to takethe time to read the newESB Networks bookletcalled: Farm Safely With Electricityand take on-board the 4Key Farm Safety Messages: 1. Watch out for overheadelectricity wires 2. Have your electricalinstallation checked regu-larly by a registered elec-trical contractor3. Have an RCD fitted andtest that it works4. Complete the electricalself-rating checklistThe booklet is available

on the web at http://www.esb.ie/esbnet-works/en/safety-environment/booklets.jsp ;or by contacting ESB Networks at 1859 372 757.We also provide Safety Cab Stickers and KeyRings to remind users of key safety messages. If you have a safety concern, phone 1850372 999 (24 hour/7 day service)Further safety information is available atwww. esbnetworks.ie/safety

PAC NEWS 07November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

RURAL SECURITYThe Hot Topic

PAC met up last week with DetectiveGarda Eugene O’Sullivan from the StolenVehicle Unit, who specialises in agricul-tural vehicles andmachinery. We wereinformed that since 2009there has been a steadydecline in the number ofthefts of new tractors withthis being attributed tocertain prime suspectsbeing apprehended andimprovements withinbuilt security featureson new tractors andassistance from tractordealers, the media andthe agricultural community in general.However there has been a correspondingrise in thefts involving older tractors,trailers and machinery, also in strippingvehicles of machinery of parts, diesel andtheft of easily portable workshop toolsand equipment. It is vital to keep a recordof serial numbers on smaller tools andimplements as it’s the most unique way ofidentifying property.THEFT OF TRACTORS/MACHINERYGardaí frequently find that when theftsare reported, the owner doesn’t haveimportant information readily available.The more information you have immedi-ately to hand the better chance there is ofrecovering your property.

Gardaí advise that theft of smaller itemsis often opportunistic and the more obsta-cles you place in the way of thieves the

less likely they are to strike. When youryard is unattended shed doors and gatesshould be closed and locked. Whenpossible, lock away smaller items espe-cially those of high value.

BUYING SECOND HAND We all like to find a bargain and oftenlook to the internet or private sales to geta good deal. Whilst many of these salesare above board, criminals often use theinternet or private sales to sell stolengoods. The legal term 'Caveat Emptor'is a Latin phrase we should all be awareof translating as "Let the Buyer Beware".This means that you as the buyer mustperform due diligence when purchasingan item or service. So, i f you arethinking about buying from the internetor indeed from any source, other than aregistered dealer, it is down to you toensure that the item is not stolen or if ithas an unpaid bank loan, lease or HP

agreement attached to it.You can check this out atthe Irish Credit Bureauwww.icb.ie or a companycalled CARTELL atwww.cartel l . ie andmotorcheck.ie. Goodsfrom the UK can bechecked out on the equiv-alent UK websites. Gardaírecommend thoroughlychecking over potentialpurchases looking for anyinterference with

Serial/VIN/Chassis Numbers or anyunusual changes or adaptations. Where everything checks out and youare satisfied you should also check thatthe goods you take possession of areactually what you expected. Reportshave been received where goods deliv-ered and paid for are a very differentand lesser specification to what wasadvertised. PAC/GARDAI - ALERTSPAC will keep ongoing contact with theGardaí and where requested put infor-mation regarding stolen goods on ourwebsite and text contractors.If you require further information pleasecall the PAC Office on 090 6437518

Working Closely WithGardaí OnAgricultural VehicleAnd Machinery Theft

Advice from GardaíKeep this Information to Hand• Know your machinery and vehicles• Keep a Record Card for each piece detailing:-

Make and ModelRegistration Number (where applicable)Chassis/VIN/Serial NumberDistinguishing marks or featuresDetails of any adaptations

• Take photo/s of machinery and save on yourcomputer or print and clip to the Record Card.

• Keep all Record Cards together in one place that iseasily accessible to all members of the family.

• Call PAC for Record Card Template.

Advice from GardaíInternet or Private Sales• Buyer Beware – Carry out Due Diligence.• Buy from a reputable source.• Don’t be pressurised into making a purchase.• It is not unreasonable to ask for ID and take a note

of the sellers vehicle number.• Check details on the vehicle registration cert with

the chassis/serial number.• The year of manufacture can be crossed checked

as it is stamped on the cab and glass and otherplaces around the engine.

• Check Main Databases to ensure goods are notunder finance.

• Check that goods are not stolen.• Get a second opinion.• Make sure you get exactly what you pay for.• Avoid paying in cash.• Never take delivery of items in a car park or lay-by.• If it seems too good to be true then it probably is.• If selling an item and receiving a payment by bank

draft - check with the issuing bank

- Case Study -A farmer bought a used tractor from theinternet. Two years later he took the tractor tothe main dealer to have a part replaced.The dealer could tell him immediately thatthe tractor was stolen and the Gardaí wereinformed. Even though the tractor waspurchased in good faith it was returned tothe Insurance company who had paid out onit. The farmer lost over €25,000

Crucial Insurance Cover includes:-• Public Liability Insurance• Employers Liability • Motor/ Machinery Insurance.PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCEThis cover provides indemnity inrespect of your legal liability for acci-dental bodily injury to any third partyor loss of, or damage to their prop-erty, arising in connection with theirbusiness as Agricultural Contractorsand their employees.The standard limit of indemnity is €2.6million any one accidentor series of accidentsarising out of one occur-rence. Higher limits ofindemnity may be neededand these are usuallyavailable on request(County Councils often

seek higher limit of indemnity)IMPORTANT REMINDERSPubl ic L iabi l i t y and EmployersLiability cover does not extend toinclude public road work, construc-tion of group water schemes or anywork for county councils and publicbodies. This would fall under thecategory of plant hire and merit ahigher rate. Additionally where ESB/Eircom hireAgricultural Contractors to create atwo metre clearance of tree branches

around overhead l ines and suchwork involves the use of hoists andchainsaws this would not be coveredon the standard policy. Work atairports and railroads are excluded.For any of the work as describedabove it is important to contact yourinsurer to discuss and obtain aquotation. EMPLOYERS LIABILITYINSURANCEIf you employ staff, it is essential thatthis cover is taken out to provideindemnity in respect of injuriessustained by employees during thecourse of their work. If an injuryoccurs, it is likely you as the employerwill be liable as you are held respon-

sible for work practices, systems of workand safety. Employers Liability willprovide cover for any awards madeand appropriate legal costs up to alimit of €13 million any one incident.MOTOR INSURANCE MACHINERY INSURANCEAgricultural Contractors use expensiveequipment and machinery. In addi-tion to the mandatory third partyinjury or damage cover required underthe Road Traffic Act cover, Contractorsare advised to cover against fire, theftand accidental damage losses. Thepremium involved is modest relative tothe high value at risk.PROPERTY INSURANCEMost Agricultural Contractors should

consider insurance onworkshops and tools usedin their business. Theymay wish to cover fire,theft and other perils forsuch property.

• Contributor: Wally Moran, Manager, Technical Sales, FBD

One of the worst feelings in the world is to realise that you don’thave adequate insurance cover after the event. AgriculturalContractors provide valuable services to farmers particularly atbusy times of the year.

- Case Study: Cutting Hedgerows -A branch from a hedgerow hit a pedestrian during operations causing injury. Liability for injury falls onthe Contractor. This is because the Contractor was judged not to have taken the necessary precau-tions. If work is carried out on a main thoroughfare, flag men and warning signs should be used. Asite specific risk assessment should be carried out for every job.

Activities covered underthe standard FBD PublicLiability Policy issued toAgricultural Contractors:• Cutting hedgerows• Spreading slurry• Silage cutting• Harves t ing and Spraying

(excluding cover for damage tocrops as a result of applicationof incorrect mix or spray drift)

• Agricultural land drainage andreclamation

• Work levelling ditches• Internal road construction of

farms• Rural house site clearance and

preparat ion including land-scaping of site

• Laying of lawns • Site clearance in preparation for

construction of farm outbuild-ings

PAC NEWS08 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

INSURANCE COVERS AND MANAGING RISKS

3 Lambourghinis have a combined value 130,000 tractors reported stolen fromthe midlands and were intercepted by Gardaí en route to Romania in 2012.

RURAL SECURITYThe Hot Topic

John Tully a Thurles shopkeeper along withothers in his area identified that many indi-viduals and businesses were repeatedlyburgled by criminals who could never betraced. As a result of an article by PaulWilliams, a crime journalist with the IrishIndependent, a public meeting was held inthe Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, onthe 8th October 2015. Attended by morethan 1500 people, the committee of Victimsof Crime was tasked with addressing thefear and terror emanating from criminalactivity. It was decided to form a groupcalled Save our Local Community. Save our Local Community exists to providea forum for ALL Victims of Crime, regard-less of their circumstances, origins, politicalor religious beliefs, all are welcome and areencouraged to join. As an association, Victims of Crime doesnot tolerate any public slurs or prejudice

against any individual or ethnic group. Weexist for ALL victims of crime who arerelying on our support, to change the tideand give them a voice.

Save our Local Community seek the supportof people in both rural and urban Ireland.You can voice your support by emailing:iamavoc@gmail.com

Watch for our new website, which will beonline soon www.victimsofcrime.eu. You could also help by organising ameeting in your local community. With ourexperience, we can offer you informationand support as required. Contact us at:iamavoc@gmail.com

• Collection of fines atsource i.e. that the RevenueCommissioners beassigned the responsibilityto collect fines imposed bythe courts. This will free upGardai to do the work ofupholding the law andproviding the Dept ofJust ice with the fundsrequired, without placingthe extra burden on ordi-nary tax payers.

• Reform of Bail Laws.-Thesystem we currently usewas designed for adifferent Ireland and itneeds to be looked at andmade fit for purpose

• Introduce electronicmonitoring for repeatoffenders. 80% of seriouscrime is committed bythose on bail

• Increased resources forAn Garda Siochana in theform of personnel andequipment. A return torigorous communitypolicing would bewelcomed

• A fifth trend has beenhighlighted in ourcampaign where many feelthat driving permits andpassport restrictions needto be considered for thoseinvolved in serious crimi-nality.

KEY OBJECTIVES

A new operation by AnGarda Siochana, is set totackle crime in rural andurban areas nationwide.Operation Thor, has beenwelcomed by MinisterFitzgerald which is deliv-ering on the increasedinvestment by thisGovernment on policing. The operation is to buildon previous andcurrent Garda opera-tions and will incor-porate a wide rangeof activities aimedat tackling burglars,organised crimesyndicates, andprolific offenders. Itwill also work with ruralcommunities to help inthe prevention of crime. On the additional focus ofOperation Thor on workingwith the community,Minister Fitzgerald stated: “I

welcome the plans for anationwide crime preven-tion awareness campaignto be launched later thismonth. I also welcome theongoing development ofthe Text Alert scheme, by

An Garda Siochana, theIrish Farmers Association,

Neighbourhood Watch,and Muintir na Tire.”There are currently over700 Text Alert Groupsnationwide incorporatingover 125,000 members.Since its launch inSeptember 2013, there hasbeen over one million textssent to warn local commu-nities of suspicious or crim-inal activity. The minister alsoannounced that she wouldbe doubling the fundingprovided to CommunityAlert, and Crimestoppers. The minister stated: “Thisdoubling of the budget will

support the extension oflocal Community Alertschemes and othercrime preventioninitiatives, includingtext alert schemes. Itwill also allow for amajor extension ofthe Crimestoppers

programme to run aseries of targeted crime

prevention campaignsthroughout 2016, includingon social media, and toencourage confidentialreporting of informationabout crime.”

Operation ThorTo Tackle Ruraland Urban Crime

?DO YOU KNOWDo you know that after PAC met with Garda Assistant Commissioner,an internal Gardaí policy was implemented in relation to Gardaíinvolvement in repossessions.

A Day InThe LifeOf ARuralGardaEar To The Ground is a popular RTEprogramme that covers topicalfarming and environmental issues.In their next show they will present afeature showing a day in the life ofa rural Garda. They told us here atPAC News all about it. DeirdreScanlon is a mother of two youngchildren and a Garda based inEnnistymon in county Clare. In herrole in Community Policing, Deirdrehas an enormous area to cover,from the surfing paradise ofLahinch, across the spectacularBurren, to the Cliffs of Moher. Butwhile beautiful, this place can alsobe remote and isolated. HelenCarroll travelled to Clare during thesummer to find out more about thechallenges of policing in ruralIreland. What she discovered ontheir day together was a Gardacompletely dedicated to the peopleshe serves, and with a thoroughunderstanding of the communityshe protects. That,and a desire tobring her guitar with her everywhereshe goes.

PAC NEWS 09November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

PAC Supports Save Our Community

PAC NEWS10 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

Boosting FarmEfficiency withCorrect TyrePressures

Boosting FarmEfficiency withCorrect TyrePressuresUsing the correct tyre pressure and tyre maintenace intodays farming is essential. Tractors and equipment havebecome bigger and heavier so it is important to get allthe horsepower from the tractor to the ground maximisingthe grip while minimising soil compaction. With tyresbecoming much bigger andmore expensive, there isalso the need to make thetyres wear for as long aspossible giving you a moreeffective pence per hourcosting. Correct tyre pres-sures and tyre maintenancewill also reflect better yieldsand fuel savings.A typical new tractor will bedelivered with tyre pressuresaround 1.8bar or more.When tyre pressures are toohigh it can compromise thetractors ride and comfort onthe road, the contact areaof the tyre is less soincreases the risk of skid-ding, the tyre becomesmore susceptible to impactdamage, reduced tractionin the f ield, reducedcleaning effect andincreased tyre wear. When the tyre pressures aretoo low you can have prob-lems with tyre slippage onthe rim in a high draft situa-t ion, lack of tractionbecause the tyre is too flex-ible, the tractor beingunstable on the road andincreased tyre wear.Trelleborg Wheel Systemshave developed theTrelleborg Load Calculatorapp which is free to use. It assists in recommending theideal tyre pressures dependent on the tractor model,implement, ballast weights and other variables. The LoadCalculator is an important tool. For example when weightis added to the rear axle of a tractor it reduces the loadon the front axle, so the tyre pressures need to beadjusted according to the change of load. It is alsoimportant to make sure the load distribution on each axleis correct. The intuitive app was on show at the recentlycompleted European Roadshow, with field demonstrationsin Italy, Sweden, Austria, Poland, France, Spain and theUK. The show not only launched Trelleborgs innovativenew ProgressiveTraction technology but also visually high-

lighted the many benefits of correct tyre pressures fromtime and fuel saved to the effect on soil compaction anddrainage.The tests pitted two identical tractors, with identical culti-vators attached against each other in a drag race over a

short distance of180m. Both tractorswere limited to certainrevs and a certainspeed, ensuring therewere no variables –the only differencewas the tyre pres-sures. One tractorwas set at 1.8bar, theother tractor was setup using theTrelleborg LoadCalculator app. In the UK Road Showthis was set at 1 bar. The tractor with thecorrect pressuresfinished 35 secondsahead of the otherone and used 0.3litres less fuel. Thismeans a considerablecost saving on timeand fuel over 12months. The two differenttractor tyre imprintswere then analysedfor the effect on soilcompaction. Thelower pressure had amuch wider footprintwhich created aminimum disturbanceof the soil structure,retained good air

circulation and allowed for rainwater penetration of up to6 t imes quicker. This could lead to increased crop yields as the roots would be well drained and haveeasier movement through the soil.With Trelleborg releasing IF and VF technology the needof constantly adjusting tyre pressures has been reduced.The new sidewall design means the same load can becarried at a lower pressure, or a higher load can becarried at the same pressure, so tyre pressures can bereduced for fieldwork, safe in the knowledge that they willstill perform on the road.

Contributors: Bruce Lauder and NeilSharman, Trelleborg

It’s a strange paradox of the Irish people to bemoanany weather we have. We complain when it’s too hot,we complain when it’s too cold and we hate the rain,despite it being the reason we have the lush greenscenery that we are all so proud of. If you are workingoutdoors the weather is all the more important to you.Any outdoor labour can be made so much harder forthe worker if they are not wearing the correct attire forthe current weather conditions. All weather clothing is something that any person working onthe land should be familiar with. Particularly, waterproof gear. We spoke to Conor of www.farmwear.ie to help explain theimportance of wearing suitable clothing whilst working the land,and what brands were the most popular and most effective. “Here at Farmwear.ie, we specialize in high quality waterproof &breathable clothing. Unfortunately in Ireland, if we didn't work inthe rain we would get nothing done therefore, staying dry in wetworking conditions is a clear requirement for agri workers here.”There are many benefits of investing in good wetgear, “wearinggood wetgear means better health and less sickness, increasedproductivity, and a much more pleasant working day.”There are many different types of wetgear on the market, butvery few actually do the job well.“Obviously waterproofing is needed, and most garments will dothis initially, however poor quality garments will leak or split in ashort time, effectively making the garment useless for itspurpose.” He went on to tell us that “Poor quality garments alsocause the wearer to sweat excessively when active, as they haveno breathability.”Buying a cheap garment means poor value for money. Most lowcost garments are cheaply made and ineffective. Conor issuedthis warning: “Beware of garments that claim they are breath-able on the pack, but don't publish any breathability test resultson the packaging or labels, Wetgear from a reputable manufac-turer will have EN Test results for both Waterproofing andBreathability published on the packaging and labels.”The best wetsuits will have an EN certified Waterproof Test resultof at least 10,000mm, and an EN certified Breathability Testvalue (RET Value) of lower than 6. “This means that both thefabric and seams have been properly tested by an independentEN Testing house, and have achieved the highest standards ofwaterproofing, breathability and durability. When purchasingyour wetgear, look out for this.”According to Conor, The leading wetgear on the market today isHydrowear ACLIMATEX, which has a tough polyester outer shellthat protects a high performance waterproof and breathablemembrane on the inside with all seams being reinforced. “Thisattention to detail means the garment out-performs and out-lastsany other wetgear on the market.”Hydrowear ACLIMATEX is available from good merchants andagri-stores, or can be ordered online at www.farmwear.ie.Wearing the correct clothing is truly essential if you are going tobe working outdoors. In a country with weather as changeableas ours, good wetgear is truly a good investment, and that isnothing to moan about.

Wet WeatherWear

Maize Harvestingin Clonmel 2015Contractors: Sheehan’s and Curry’s

Dessie CunninghamHedge Cutting Contractor, Co. Monaghan Carrying out work for local councilalong a main road. Cutting down over hanging branches and chipping in to atrailer and trimming hedges all around Nuremore Hotel and Golf Club,

Tractor and FarmMachinery Safety Survey A large percentage of accidents and fatalities in agriculture involve operating tractors, machinery andtrailed equipment. There is no doubt that in some cases engineering solutions may have prevented theseaccidents. The Machinery Sub Committee of the Farm Safety Partnership is surveying all stakeholders to gathersuggestions to improve design and safety mechanisms in farm machinery. As Agricultural Contractors,who operate all types of machinery and vehicles every day of your working life, you are ideally positionedto respond to this call. Responses will be discussed with tractor and machinery manufacturers to investi-gate the viability of incorporating them into future designs. Some of the suggestions to date include:• Potential in some cases to replace the PTO with a hydraulic system• A seat sensor to activate brakes when driver leaves the cab.• Certain implements could be attached without leaving the tractor cab e.g. rear mounted creep feeders.Go to the PAC website for a Quick Link to the Tractor and Machinery Safety Survey www.pacireland.comor go to the Health and Safety Authority website at www.hsa.ie Alternatively you can send your ideas bypost to John Kennedy, Health and Safety Authority, Block A, Loughmore Centre, Raheen Business Park,Limerick.

John Graves ContractorHedge Cutting in Co. Tipperary

PAC NEWS 11November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

That Mandate gave instructionsas to how the Commissionwould conduct the negotiationsTheir Mandate requires that theCommission report to both theCouncil of Ministers and theEuropean Parliament on aregular basis. It requires thenegotiators to be guided by theinstructions of these bodies. TheAmerican negotiators in turnreceived a mandate from theirGovernment in similar terms.This requires them to report tothe Government who mustsecure the agreement of TheHouse of Representativesand the Senate.Within the wider Europeancommunity there are threegroupings each comprisepoliticians, civic society andvested interests etc. The threeblocks are; those committed tothe signing of an agreement,those opposed to any agree-ment with both of these groupssteadfast in their positions. Andthen there are those who see itas a good idea, but have reserva-tions.Those opposed say that thenegotiations since beginning lastFebruary are secretive, undemo-cratic and designed to enhancethe profits of multi-nationals,without having account of thecitizens’ needs. Those in favourpoint to the number of existingand pending trade deals whichare in place throughout theworld. How these groweconomic development and thatwithout such growth provision ofincreased employment andwealth, is not sustainable. The stated intention is to havethe agreement approved whilePresident Obama is in office. Forthe Treaty to be approved in theEU, it requires the approval ofParliament and all the 28Member Governments at the EUCouncil. While it is not requiredthat the draft Treaty be put to theindividual parliaments, itappears that some countriesmay opt to do so before commit-ting themselves at EU Council

level. As it is a Trade Agreementand not a Treaty, it does notrequire a constitutional refer-endum in the Republic. Most see a trade agreement asthe reduction or abolition ofTarff’s, Quotas and CustomsDuties. Most accept that theremoval of such obstacles to

trade would

increase specialisation withintrade sectors providing thepotential to reduce unit costs,grow the market and deliverproduct at a better price to theconsumer. But while TTIP willpermit such changes, this is notthe full story.The removal of non-tariff barriershas the potential to create realtrade increases in both direc-tions. These see removal ofredundant regulations and orharmonisation of the standardsas they apply to the “same”product type. This would reducecosts for manufactures thattrade in both markets. This doesnot mean that the standard ineither market is lowered itmeans it will be the same inboth. It could force improvedstandards to be adopted to meetthose that exist in the othermarket. A simple example iswiring in a car: EU says it mustbe a blue wire the US says itmust be a red wire, TTIP sayslet’s change it and call it brown. It is estimated that the applica-

tion of these common standardsalong with the proposed tariffreductions may increase the EUGDP by 0.5%. It is suggestedthat the potential may be greaterin Ireland’s case. The agreement will open boththe US and EU PublicProcurement markets to compe-tition from companies operatingin either market. But the EUMandate makes it clear thatareas such as Public Health Care,Social Services, Education andWater Services are excludedfrom such open market competi-tion. The EU has imposed restric-tive conditions in respect ofPublic Services. Any EU

Government can organise amonopoly service to be deliveredby a single state provider. TheGovernment of each State candecide what a “Public Service”is, provided that it is not alreadypart of the open market. The Investor State DisputeSettlement (ISDS) proposed inTTIP already exists in almostevery trade agreement aroundthe world. It has done so for 40odd years or so. ISDS proposesto allow business, irrespective ofits size, to challengeGovernments who renege on orunfairly change an element of anagreement or trading conditionsentered into by them. ISDSdisputes would be dealt withunder arbitration and not inpublic courts. This has led toclaims that the arbitrationsystem favours the multina-tional. The counter argument isthat it is faster and more costeffective is open to all busi-nesses irrespective of their finan-cial standing. Arbitrators aredrawn from the legal or

specialist professions. Theyare appointed to hear a casebased on their independenceand competency to dischargethe task. Those who see TTIP as a goodidea with reservations sharemany of the arguments putforward by those who aretotally opposed to any agree-ment. These points rangeacross Food andEnvironmental Safety,Democracy, Public ServiceDelivery, Banking Regulation,Privacy, Jobs and consultationwith the Public. The EuropeanCitizen’s Initiative which iscampaigning across the EUhas some two million signa-tures seeking the rejection ofTTIP and CETA which is an EU-Canada deal. Those in favour say that allthese items are adequatelycovered in the DublinMandate given to theCommission. Yet in recentmonths, the negotiatorshave had to capitulate onthe question of opennessand allow access of theirpapers to the generalmembership of Parliament,

while affording access toNational Governments.

Previously both groups werepermitted limited access incontrolled circumstance andhad to provide undertakings ofconfidentiality. Parliament was to vote on June10th setting out its directionsto the negotiators for the nextround of discussions, but atthe last minute the presidentof the Parliament deferred thevote as it was clear that hisown S&D Grouping could notdeliver the numbers to honourthe party’s leadership’scommitments reached with theEPP and ALDE members. There seems no prospect thatthe proposed time frame ofsign off by the end of 2016 willbe met, as the US seems to behaving much the same prob-lems in getting agreement onprogressing trade agreementsas the EU. Two days after theEU deferral the US Congressrejected the Trade PromotionAuthority Bill; this had passedthe Senate. This bill wouldallow the President sign offTrade Agreements withoutreferral to the Hill.

Writes Cathal Boland

The EU and the US are the process of negotiation of atrade agreement known as TTIP which stands forTransatlantic Trade Investment Partnership. TheEuropean Commission received a Mandate from theCouncil of Ministers under the Irish Presidency to openand conduct the negotiations with the representativesof the United States.

So Just What Is

TTIPRevised criteria announcedin respect of the TransportManagement Certificate ofProfessional CompetencePaschal Donohoe, T.D., the Minister for Transport, Tourismand Sport, has announced the introduction of revisedcriteria in relation to the authorisation of training providersfor the Transport Management Certificate of ProfessionalCompetence (TM CPC). The TM CPC is a qualification designed to meet therequirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 and isadministered on behalf of the Department of Transport,Tourism and Sport by the Chartered Institute of Logisticsand Transport. Achievement of the TM CPC in either roadhaulage or road passenger transport demonstrates that theholder of the qualification is qualified to perform the effec-tive and continuous management of undertakings engagedin road transport operations within any EU Member State.Every such undertaking is required to have a qualifiedTransport Manager.The Department of Transport told PAC News that a review

of the organisation and administration of the TransportManagement Certificate of Professional Competence by theDepartment of Transport, Tourism and Sport is ongoing. In the meantime, the introduction of revised criteria for theauthorisation of training providers has been announced.These revisions are effective from 1 November 2015.They bring about an opening of the market for prospectivetraining providers who demonstrate compliance with thecriteria.Under the new arrangements, existing training providerswill be required to demonstrate compliance with the revisedcriteria.The revised criteria are available to download on theDepartment’s website athttp://www.dttas.ie/roads/english/updates-and-notices.Application forms for authorisation as a training provider,along with other relevant information, are available fromthe Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport athttp://www.cilt.ie/education/our-courses/cpc-in-road-trans-port-operations-management.html.For further information, the Chartered Institute of Logisticsand Transport can be contacted at tel. 01 6763188 e-mailinfo@cilt.ie website www.cilt.ie.

?DO YOU KNOWDo you know that it was PAC alone that nego-tiated with Brussels and spent two weeks in theHigh Court to secure over €7 mill ion incompensation for Beet Contractors?

Remember PAC alone negotiated with Dept of Financeto abandon their decision to retrospectively claw backcapital gains tax on trade-ins. Saving many contractorsthousands.

Do you know negotiations with a Road ConstructionCompany resulted in securing additional payments forindividual contractors of between 30k – 50k for workdone outside contract.

Remember Direct Negotiations between PAC and theDept. of Environment brought about removal of sectionsof the Waste Management Amendment Act that wereunfavourable to contractors.

Do you know PAC responds to calls for consultation andmakes written submissions to the Dáil and the Seanad.PAC invited frequently to address Dáil and SeanadCommittees.

PAC NEWS12 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

And Is It Good News For Contractors?

Let us know what you think so we can represent your views…Send your letters to the Editor at PAC News, Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin.We will choose a selection of letters to be published in the next edition of your PAC News

When embarking on any kind of manuallabour it is important that the clothes youare wearing are up to the task. Theymust be durable and hard wearing butflexible, comfortable and lightweightenough to allow for full range of move-ment. Any labourer will know the impor-tance of good quality, long lasting workattire. Enter Snickers, the heavy weights of theWork Wear arena. For over 30 years,Snickers has been one of the go tobrands of work wear in Ireland andacross Europe. Originally founded inSweden Snickers are now a part of theIrish company Hultafors Group AB. Theywork closely with craftsmen to developclothing that is both functional andwearable to suit the needs and specifici-ties of most manual labourers. All oftheir garments are tested by real workersnot just in a lab. They use a variety of materials in themanufacture of their workwear. Gore-Tex, Windstopper Materials, AIS ActiveInsulation System, Active VaporizeSystem and Active Protection System, allprotect against the elements, meaningthat no matter what the weather is likeyou will stay warm, dry and protected.Their use of Superfabric Brand Materials,

U-V Protection and Confidence InTextiles, protects against sun damage,chemical spills and cuts and tears. Snickers make all manner of work wearfrom Arctic Winter Trousers to safetygloves and goggles. They make theirclothes for both men and women in sizesup to 6xl. All of their holster pockettrousers have pockets at the knees,designed to hold their patentedKneeGuard posit ioning system, toprovide extra protection should you berequired to work on your knees for longperiods of time. Their trousers also comeequipped with dedicated pockets andholsters so essential tools can be at theready. Their range of all weather clothing isintegrated with their Snickers WorkwearActive Climate System. A system of threelayers of garments that ensure you areprotected against whatever the wiles ofthe outdoors can throw at you, fromfreezing cold, to extra hot. They make a wide range of tool beltsand tool carriers and holders for arange of different professions, includingpouches that have been specificallydesigned to fit and hold Hultafors rangeof craftsmans knives. Their website is a tradesman’s dream,

with everything from their full range ofWorkwear, to accessories such as ahandy, protective pouch for your smartphone, that attaches the trousers, andSnickers brand Repair Hand Cream, forthe more discerning manual labourer. Utilising proper work wear has multiplebenefits both for the worker and for anyorganisations or people employing saidworker. The correct attire will aide aworkers t ime management andmaximise productivity and efficiency.With any manual work it is alwaysimportant to remember that safety has tobe paramount, and within that is alsogood to remember that a safe worker isa happy worker. Using Snickers brandclothing will ensure a feeling of safety.Not only are their garments hardwearing, but they also have a range offlame retardant clothing and High visi-bility clothing ensuring the workers safetyin all conditions. Essentially Snickers Workwear utilisescutting edge design with uncompro-mising safety and comfort helping you tomaintain a level of professionalism thatis so essential for any manual laboureror craftsman. With Snickers you are trusting in atrusted brand.

Snickers Workwear

PAC NEWS 13November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

We often hear about the benefits of grass fed produce in Ireland.We hear about the unique flavour and texture of the food thatcomes from a grass fed animal, and how its popularity ensures thatIrish produce maintains a place in the worlds market. But does thelay man really know why it’s so amazing to let your cow go grazing? According to Paddy Wall, Professor of Public Health in UCD, for upto 300 days of the year, Irish cattle graze on the grass that covers upto 80% of our lush green isles. During the lacklustre winter monthsthey are housed, but even here they are fed a mixture of meal andgrass silage, keeping their feed relatively consistent throughout theyear. Unlike other countries where animals spend a lot of their timehoused in feed lots, Irish livestock is predominantly left to graze intheir natural environment and are left to freely graze the fields theyinhabit. “This is their natural environment” says Professor Wall,“Where they express their natural behaviour, which is of paramountimportance to both farmers who produce the food and consumerswho eat it. This is what makes grass-fed Irish food so unique.”Grass feeding is not just beneficial for the animals themselves but forthe people who later buy and consume the food produced from theanimal. Not only is grass rich in nutrients for the animal, but it alsomeans that the food produced is rich in many nutrients essential fora healthy lifestyle. A comparative study of grass fed meat and grainfed meat will show that grass fed meat contains higher levels of

omega 3 fatty acids and Linoleicacid. “Meat contains a mixture of fattyacids in the fat, and many of theseare considered healthy fats. Assuch, eating grass-fed produce canmake a contribution to our require-ment for these essential fattyacids.”These are essential for us in ourfood as we don’t produce themnaturally within our bodies. It hasalso been shown that grass fedproduce is rich in vitamin E andbeta-carotene which is used in our bodies to produce vitamin A, thevitamin responsible for the maintenance of our immune system andgood vision. It is also the beta-carotene that produces the yellowcolour in Irish butter. “The next time you eat Irish butter, admire the colour and flavourand know why it has this unique colour and taste. When you nexteat grass-fed Irish meat or dairy, you will know why we are so fortu-nate to have this unique product on our doorstep, because ourgrass-fed produce is natural and special and this is why it is indemand all over the world.”

We are very fortunate to have such a vitamin rich food source soreadily available to us. Professor Wall, stresses that “our health is ourmost valuable asset. He says a healthy diet is essential, yet somepeople can sometimes give little thought to what they eat. An invest-ment in your health is an investment in your future. We regularly talkabout the green image of Ireland, but it is not an image, it is areality that we have forty shades of green and our grass producedmeat and dairy products are special.” In short eating Irish produced meat and dairy is not only an invest-ment in our countries economy, it is an investment in our own healthand well being too.

Amazing GrazingGood News For Contractors

!REMEMBERRemember PAC will advise and where necessary negotiate with financialinstitutions on behalf of members. Always Confidential and no vestedinterests.PAC - Instrumental in persuading financial institutions to implement acode of good practice for dealing with repossessions.

?DO YOU KNOWDo you know 3 years of negotiations on behalf of contractors by PAC

culminated in the Revised Standards for Agri Vehicles.

Remember it was PAC that negotiated directly with Europe to remove the requirement inthe Working Time Directive for agri contractors to have tachographs in tractors.

Safety has a highpriority on PAC’sagenda. We want allcontractors to arrivehome safely after theirdays work and indeedfor their families, friendsand workers to be safetoo. As a significant contributor to the call this year by SenatorDenis O’Donovan for public consultation on farm safety, PACwas called to address the Seanad along with other stake-holders who had made submissions.PAC officials including Tom Murphy and Dessie Cunnighamattended and addressed the Seanad, answering questionsposed by Members of the Seanad Public ConsultationCommittee.The Farm Safety Report arising from this process waspublished in July and PAC was invited to attend this important

event at the Oireachtas. PAC was also called to attend theSeanad Debate on the Farm Safety Report, when Minister forAgriculture Simon Coveney addressed the Seanad. MinsterCoveney congratulated all the stakeholders who contributed tothe report, referring to PAC by name. The Minister gave acommitment that Farm Safety would be kept high on theagenda during his term of office and outlined a number ofstrategies that his Department would pursue over the comingyears, many of which were part of the recommendations in thePAC submission.

PAC RepresentingContractors in theSeanad

Hypertension is the medical term used for high blood pressure and is a major cause ofstroke and heart attack. The only way you can find out if you have high blood pressureis to have it checked, as there are few, if any, symptoms.If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, together with your family doctor and ahealthy lifestyle, you can keep your blood pressure at a healthy level and reduce yourrisk of having a stroke or heart attack. Visit the Irish Heart Foundation website for moreinformation www.irishheart.ie

All-Island Conference on FarmSafety takes place in Co. MonaghanTo date in 2015, therehave been 15 people killedin farm accidents in theRepublic of Ireland withfour deaths in NorthernIreland. On Thursday 5thNovember the Health andSafety Authority and theHealth and Safety ExecutiveNorthern Ireland, with thesupport of FBD andTeagasc, hosted an ‘All-Island Farm SafetyConference’ at theHil lgrove Hotel inMonaghan. Farmers and Safety profes-sionals from both sides ofthe border shared ideasand prevention strategieson how to best reduceinjury and death on farms. Simon Best, former captainof Ulster Rugby spokeabout ‘being an activefarmer with a young family,as well as an employer,and how he is ‘acutelyaware of the importance ofsafety on his farm’. Heencouraged ‘all membersof the farming communityto prioritise safety’.Peter Gohery, a farmerfrom Galway spoke abouthow he lost a leg to anunguarded PTO shaft andhow it still affects his lifeand ability to farm.Dr Denis O’ Hora from theNational Universi ty ofIreland, Galway presentedthe findings of a study onthe impact of farm stressesand their impact on farm

safety. The study found thatfinancial worries and farmstress increase anxiety andgreater anxiety leads tohigher expectations of

injury. Social supportreduces anxiety so it has aprotective effect. Farmstress also directly farmer’sexpectations of injury.Speaking about the typesof support availableTeagasc Director, ProfGerry Boyle, encouragedfarmers to engage with theinit iat ives available forimproving physical farminfrastructure and safetybehaviour. “It is vital thatthe maximum use is madeof the Targeted AgriculturalModernisation (TAMS) andKnowledge Transfer (KT)schemes to improve safety.These Schemes have beenintroduced under the EURural DevelopmentProgramme 2015-2020by the Department ofAgriculture, Food and theMarine, he stated.”Brian Higgisson, AssistantChief Executive of the

Health and SafetyAuthority, said that farmersknow what the issues areon their farms, but someseem unable or unwillingto take preventative action.“The Authority hasprovided huge resourcesthrough inspection, aware-ness raising, free guidanceand safety managementtools. We now need to seemore farmers take theinitiative themselves andmake the improvementsrequired to reduce theseterrible and tragic acci-dents from occurring withsuch regularity.”HSENI Chief Executive,Keith Morrison echoedBrian Higgisson’s thoughtswhen he stated: “Despitethe continuing efforts byour Farm SafetyPartnership in NorthernIreland to reduce deathand serious injury, thereare still too many accidentsof all types on local farms.More needs to be doneand farmers themselvesmust play their part. Theyneed to change how theydo things so that every job,big or small, is done withina culture of ‘safety first -every t ime’. We simplycan’t keep on losing livesevery year through acci-dents that are completelypreventable.”Professor Boyle alsoannounced that Teagascand the Health and SafetyAuthority are to jointly fund

a PhD Walsh Fellowship, tostudy the adoption of farmsafety and health throughfarmer part ic ipat ion inKnowledge Transfergroups. He stated thatacademic supervision forthe fel lowship wil l beprovided through theSchool of Agriculture andFood Science at UCD andSchool of Psychology atNUI, Galway. Open Forum Hosted byMatt DempseyTo close the conference,farm leaders took part inan open forum discussionhosted by Matt Dempseywith a panel including thePresident of the UlsterFarmers Union andMembers of the FarmSafety Partnership,including Tom Murphyrepresenting PAC Ireland.

Are You A TickingTime Bomb?Maura Canning is Chair of the Irish Farmers AssociationFamily and Social Affairs Committee. She juggles hervoluntary role with farming and her family. She was afit and active young woman. But in October 2012Maura’s health was suddenly compromised. She wasattending the Women in Agriculture Conference wherethe Irish Heart Foundation had a stand. She had herblood pressure taken, never dreaming there would beanything amiss, only to be told by the nurse that it wasworryingly high and she should go to her doctor imme-diately. Maura tells us that she had no symptoms at alland there was “no bother on her”. Maura’s doctor ordered 24 hour blood pressure monitoring through her local hospital. But there was awaiting list and the doctoradvised she buy a machinefrom the chemist andmonitor her blood pressureat home. Over the weekMaura noticed that herblood pressure wasincreasing and took herselfoff to the hospital. Theytold her she was going nowhere as her blood pres-sure reading was worryinglyhigh at around 220/118 (anormal reading would be120/80). With no familyhistory consultantsexplained that it was likelyto be stress related. Maurastayed in hospital for aweek where she underwentextensive tests and was discharged and put on medica-tion, which she still takes. Her cholesterol levels werealso high, but these are now at an acceptable level dueto some diet changes, such as using low fat milk andavoiding log periods of fasting. Other things had to change too and Maura found abetter life work balance by assessing and improving hertime management. All of which reduced her stresslevels.Now Maura is back at work and fully recovered. But itcould have been very different; she could have had astroke or heart attack at any time.“The message I want to get out there is to get yourblood pressure checked regularly, because high bloodpressure often has no symptoms. Be sure to go to yourGP without delay if you have any concerns at all”Don’t forget you may look fit and healthy and have anactive lifestyle - but you just never know.Go to the Irish Heart Foundation Website for moreinformation on high blood pressure.

Maura Canning

Brian Higgins

PAC NEWS14 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

Senator Denis O’Donavan and Tom Murphy (PAC)

PAC NEWS 15November 2015

PAC News Motors The Wheels Of Motion

2016 sees the 120th anniversary of thearrival of the first motorcar to Ireland. Itwas delivered to Dr John Colohan. DrColohon, as well as being a medical man,was also a developer. Most notably of theGrand Hotel Malahide. But it is withinannals of Irish automotive history that hegained infamy when he took his 1896Daimler Benz Velo convertible on a roundtrip from Dublin to Galway as part of awager. The challenge was that he could notgo from Dublin to Galway, or from“Blackrock to Kilbeggan and back” in under12 hours. The bet was made with a mannamed Henry Vernon. Dr. Colohan won the£50 wager by doing it in 11 hours. In 1886 Daimler Benz were the producersof the world’s first motorcar. They were thevery best pioneers of engineering and auto-motive design. The name Mercedes wasn’tused until much later, but despite a namechange, the accolade of being the bestmakers of cars in the world never altered. Today, Mercedes are still one of the world’smost popular luxury brands of choice.Combine their maintained pole position inthe marketplace with the ability to get fromDublin to Galway in less than 12 hours 120years ago, and you get an incredible testi-mony to the resilience and longevity ofStuttgart engineering and their constantpursuit of excellence. Today the company are going from

strength to strength. Not only are theydominating Formula 1 with driver LewisHamilton winning them the championshipat the American Grand Prix on October25th , they are also bringing out a widerrange than ever before and are offeringserious value for money here in Ireland. The latest additions to their catalogue arethe new GLE and GLE Coupe models. Inpreparation for the 2016 market,Mercedes-Benz has just released pricingand specifications of their new to marketvehicles. They are set to arrive shortly inlarge quantities ahead of the January regis-tration rush. The new GLE is set to replace the M-Class.In an accelerated effort to attract newcustomers and boost market share, the GLEwill be revving up competition with compar-atively lower prices for a model of itscalibre. It will also exceed its predecessorwith standard specifications well in excessof the M-Class. The GLE, much like its predecessor, doesn’tcompromise on style. Mercedes-Benz isquoted as saying: “It is aimed at the go-where-you-please motorist who seekspremium class transport that is equally athome, on or off-road". By contrast, theclass-creating GLE Coupe - whichMercedes-Benz believes will be the trail-blazer for another new model segment - isa four-door coupe whose sweeping lines

belie its muscular, off-road capability. For the Irish market, Mercedes is placingthe emphasis on two models, the GLE 250dand GLE Coupe 350d. Both are dieselpowered and both have automatic trans-mission. For the GLE 250d, price begins from€65,665 (ex works) with annual road taxfrom €280, reflecting an 8% price decreasefor the new 2WD model. Mercedes-Benzsales manager Ciaran Allen says “Includedwithin the package will be a range of stan-dard features that we think should bevalued at €12,508.”These features include, full leather uphol-stery and tr im, heated front seats,Parktronic parking assist, satellite naviga-tion, intelligent light system, metallic paintand mirror pack.With the GLE Coupe 350d version, theprice begins at €86,805 (ex works). Withthis comes the full range of features offeredwith the 250d version but with the addition

of a reversing camera. The launch of thesemodels coincides with the Mercedes 30year celebration of their 4-Matic four wheeldrive system. Ciaran Allen says: “The new GLE rangesees a continuation of a policy on the partof Mercedes-Benz to win over newcustomers by matching lower prices tohigher specifications in a way that deliversadded value where it counts most – in thewallet"Mercedes-Benz is to pitch the new GLECoupe at the market under their recentlyintroduced Star Finance Personal ContractPlan. This is a personal contract plan thatwill ensure your monthly costs are kept to aminimum. It comes with a guaranteedminimum future value and a 5 year serviceplan. This makes the new models afford-able to people who otherwise would haveonly dreamed of owning one. Bringing trueMercedes own marketing line “One day isnow.”

“One Day Is Now”With New GLE And GLE Coupe

Irish Peugot importers, GowanDistributors Limited, haveannounced details of the PeugotSensation Days event. The event willtake place in Peugot dealershipsnationwide and will run throughoutNovember. Customers ordering a

new Peugot car before December31st will be able to avail of sensa-tional offers such as; finance fromas low as 2.9% APR and a huge€750 customer reward or up to€4,500 scrappage allowance onselected models. The award-

winning Peugeot van range,including the new 3008 commer-cial, is now available with a 3.9%APR HP offer, with a deposit fromas little as 25%. The Peugot lion-brand is contin-uing in its up-market swing. In aneffort to offer their customers thebest possible value combinationbetween price and standard, thecompany is now offering a 2.9%

PCP finance offer on levelthree Allure models

across the

Peugeot car range. This will includethe newly launched Peugot 208,the ever popular 2008 and best-selling 308. They are also offeringa 4.9% APR hire purchase agree-ment as an alternative on allmodels including the new PartnerTeepee. This offer comes with theexception of the 108. While they already offer a 5 yearwarranty and low cost finance,Peugot are now offering an incred-ible €750 customer reward on208, 2008, 308, 3008 and 5008models, to be enjoyed bycustomers as they wish.Sales and Marketing Director atGowan Distributors Limited, ColinSheridan explains; “What betterway to say thanks to our valuedcustomers than giving back tothem, as a reward for their busi-ness. However, in doing so, werecognise that whilst some peoplewill of course see the benefit of freeroad tax or free servicing, like someof our competitors offer, others maywant to spend their reward on a

deposit contribution, accessories oreven a luxury weekend away. ThePeugeot customer reward gives ourcustomers the freedom to spend asthey wish and as they decide.”He went on to say; “With theyoungest ever Peugeot range onoffer, a five year warranty guaran-teeing peace of mind motoringand a range of extremely competi-tive, low cost finance packages tosuit every pocket, it’s simply neverbeen a better time to call to yourlocal Peugeot Dealer. We lookforward to continued sales successin 2016, with every confidence.”The award-winning Peugeot rangenow comes equipped with the verylatest generation Euro 6 PureTechpetrol and BlueHDi engines. Theseinclude the 2015 InternationalEngine of the Year 3-cylinder petrolengine; Peugeot boasts no lessthan 25 best-in-class engines withhigh performance and low CO2emissions. This ensures lower roadtax costs and fewer trips to thepumps.For full terms and conditions onoffers available during PeugeotSensation Days, contact your localPeugeot Dealer.

Peugot Event To Showcase New Models

The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

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PAC NEWS16 November 2015The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors