Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Many of us were encouraged by parents to buy animals when starting off in life at the age of 13, 14 or 15. I do not see anything wrong with the practice; it gives a young person a sense of independence and responsibility. Most farmers' sons will have bought animals in their early teens. This is part of their development. It encourages respect for the animal and self-sufficiency.