The deadline to apply for the scheme for power-take off (PTO) shaft covers has been extended by three weeks.

Minister of State for farm safety Niall Collins confirmed a three week-extension to the deadline for submitting expressions of interest and applications for payment under the National Farm Safety Measure.

The closing date was originally today (Friday, November 6).

To apply for the measure, a farmer or Farm Advisory System (FAS)-approved advisor must submit an expression of interest before purchasing power take-off (PTO) shaft covers.

Once an expression of interest has been submitted, the application for payment (the claim) must be submitted no later than the new deadline of Friday, November 27.

This measure provides 60% grant aid up to a maximum eligible cost of €100 for up to four PTO shaft covers.

Farmers are reminded that receipts must confirm that the PTO shaft covers meet the quality standards set out in the terms and conditions.

In the ten-year period of 2016 to 2025, farm vehicles and machinery accounted for almost half of the 177 fatal incidents on farms.

In the last three-years, entanglement in PTOs has resulted in two fatalities on Irish farms.

Announcing the extension of the deadline, Minister Collins said: "I am extending the deadline for making expressions of interest and for submitting applications for payment by three weeks to Friday, November 27.

"There is machinery on farms around the country with defective or missing PTO shaft covers that present a major safety risk," he added.

"I urge all farmers to take a few minutes over the next few days to check the condition of PTO shaft covers on farm machinery, and where damaged or missing, to avail of this measure to have them replaced," the minister said.

Minister Collins called on farmers to take the time to assess the safety risks present on their farms and to act to prevent incidents.

"By assessing the risks and taking the necessary steps, fatal and non-fatal incidents can be prevented," he said.

"Ensuring that protective guards, including PTO shaft covers, are in place and keeping tractors and machinery well maintained are critical when it comes to reducing the number of fatal and lifechanging incidents involving farm vehicles and machinery," the minister added.