Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I probably did. We are trying to prevent 14 and 15 year olds purchasing animals they are unable to keep, thus resulting in animal welfare issues. The temptation to buy an animal is very strong if one grows up around animals and wants to own an animal at the age of 13 or 14. It is an exciting and attractive prospect. I am sure the practice works very well when a 14 or 15 year old buys a calf and takes it home to the family farm. I have some sympathy with what the Deputy is saying, therefore. My problem is that, at fairs, particularly horse fairs, there is much selling and buying by minors. Often the same animal is bought and sold at the same fair with a view to making a profit. This is not the kind of activity that a 14 or 15 year old should be involved in. I am thinking of whether the person who ends up with the animal will be able to or can afford to look after it.

We do not want to be engaging in Big Brother tactics that kill off rural life, at a ploughing match, for example. I will consider the wording to determine whether it can be tightened up a little such that a 14 or 15 year old will be able to buy a calf with his parents.