Michael Healy-Rae, the Independent TD for Kerry South, was injured in a “small farm accident” at home in Kerry yesterday, his son Jackie confirmed to Agriland.

He said that the accident happened last night around 8.30pm and Healy-Rae is currently recovering in Cork University Hospital.

It was thought that Deputy Healy-Rae would be released this morning however, he is being kept in Cork University Hospital for tests and observation.

“My father is recovering well at present. He received very minor injuries. He will make a full recovery after a few days rest.”

The TD received non-life threatening injuries when he was attacked by a cow, when out working on the farm.

Health and Safety Authority (HSA) figures show that every year farmers and family members are killed or maimed by cattle.

Accidents involving livestock are the second most common cause of farm fatalities.

The HSA’s Guidance on the Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms booklet shows that risk of injury is higher with cows that are with their newborn calf and when they are handled at close quarters.

The HSA advises that you should never:

  • Put an inexperienced handler or a child at risk with cattle.
  • Handle cattle or get others to handle them if there is a lack of competence and confidence to do the work safely.
  • Turn your back on a bull or trust a bull, no matter how docile he may appear.
  • Stress or arouse cattle unnecessarily.
  • Turn your back on a cow following calving.
  • Keep dangerous cattle.
  • Suddenly enter the animal’s ‘Blind Spot’.
  • Rush into the animal’s ‘Flight Zone’.
  • Beat or shout at cattle unnecessarily – they remember bad experiences.
  • Move cattle on a public road at night.