In 1997 alone, 15 people died as a result of farm accidents and the insurance industry incurred nearly £18 million in liability claims, according to the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF).

Figures released by the Health and Safety Authority show that the number of fatalities on Irish farms increased to eight in the first three months of 1998 from five in the same last year.

The IIF and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) have joined forces in a campaign aimed at cutting the number of accidents on farms. This includes the launching of a Farm Safety Action Planner, a guide containing tips on improving safety on the farm.

"Although the number of farm accidents has nearly halved over the past five years, much work remains to be done to improve safety further," said Mr Vincent Sheridan, deputy president of the IIF.