A new code of practice for child safety aims to eliminate child deaths and reduce serious accidents on farms.
The farmyard is one of the most dangerous workplaces in Ireland, with 49 child deaths reported on farms between 1991 and 2001.
The Code of Practice on Preventing Accidents to Children and Young Persons in Agriculturewas launched today by the Minister of State for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt.
The code identifies farm machinery, falls from heights, animals, fire safety, asphyxiation and contact with hazardous substances as the most common causes of death.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Kitt said "the safety of children is paramount and the code of practice represents a significant step forward in helping to eliminate deaths on our farms".
Health Authority chairman Mr Frank Cunneen said: "A safe supervised play area will not only make the implementation of the code of practice an easier one for farming parents, it will also help save lives."
A number of personalities gave their support at the launch, including IFA President Mr Tom Parlon, Kilkenny hurler D J Carey and Ear to the Ground presenter Mairead McGuinness.
The Government has also moved to tighten restrictions on farmers use of plastic sheeting.
Under the new regulations, which have the backing of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), farm plastic manufacturers and suppliers will have to register with local authorities, operate a IR£200-a-tonne deposit and refund schemes and collect used plastic for recycling.
Announcing the measures today, the Minister for the Environment, Mr Noel Dempsey, said: "Ireland is famous worldwide for the beauty of its rural environment and it is simply unacceptable that this should be undermined by silage bale wrapping and sheeting being casually strewn in fields and ditches."