Mr. Nevan McKiernan:

Okay, I accept that.

As for the negative impact on the environment, as of November 2017, 6% more cattle were slaughtered than in 2016, that is, approximately 74,000 head of cattle. Yet, meat production was just 4% higher. Carcass weights were down 4 kg per head. Steer carcass weights were down 5.4 kg per head. This trend is set to continue with an increase in the number of cattle coming from the dairy herd. Can we not see that by keeping more cattle to produce the same amount of beef in the future that this will have a negative impact on the environment? We will have to produce more cattle and keep more cattle on the land to produce the same amount of beef. If we do not, we will not be able to produce the amount of beef that we did in the past.

In conclusion, the ICBF Euro-Star indexes are a useful tool but they should not and cannot be linked to a scheme. If it continues, the quality of the cattle will continue to decline.

Cross-bred bulls should not qualify as stock bulls in any scheme. I would like all members to seriously consider this matter from the perspective of pedigree breeders or a man who rears sucklers having to buy a cross-bred bull for his herd.

The ICCS wants more communication and co-operation between the ICBF and breed societies. We would also like a review of the ICBF board and how it is formed and its purpose must be addressed.

The ICCS believes that beef from the suckler herd should be recognised as a premium product as it costs more to produce. Different organisations have mentioned the practice of taking calves from cows when they are born. Such a practice does not take place with a suckler herd.

I was going to comment on the impact that an increased amount of beef in the dairy herd has on the food chain. However, as Deputy Cahill does not agree, I will comment on another aspect.

Genomics has a vital role to play but first we must understand how genomics works and the best way to utilise it. We are aware that many highly reliable AI bulls have changed by as much as €100 on the Euro-Star index after genotyping. In other words, the rating improved from a one-star to a five-star rating.

I will conclude by saying that this country used to have a reputation for producing top-quality beef cattle but we will not retain our reputation if we continue on the current route. My colleagues and I would welcome any questions that members may have and we will do our best to reply. I thank the Chairman and members for listening to the ICCS presentation.