Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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I know but Mr. Blake heard what I read earlier. It is all related to the export of calves. If it becomes uneconomical, and it is heading this way - to me it is being steered this way - it will put farmers into further difficulties which they cannot afford to be in at this time. I am asking the Department and others to sit around the table. It is all connected. One way or another it is connected. It all has to do with animal welfare. Our main concern needs to be animal welfare but it also needs to be economical for hauliers. I would appreciate if the Department sat down with everybody. Ms Meaney stated the Department has done so with exporters and transporters. I accept this and I appreciate it. The RSA must also be considered. Somebody must apply a bit of common sense. If it is flying over to Cherbourg and applying unbelievable fines, this whole business will collapse very soon. We will then be met with a different crisis and I will be sitting at a table speaking differently. I would appreciate if the Department would do this.