Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A related question relates to other markets and possibilities. There has been an increase in dairy numbers in recent years. In particular, a significant number of Friesian cows were culled this year and I suggest that this has had a negative effect on the beef market. Next spring, we will see a lot of Friesian calves coming into the market. Are we developing extra markets for these because the word is that, come next spring, Friesian calves will be hard to dispose of and the price for them will be very poor? Are we looking at other markets for these calves? I was talking to another factory this morning. Its normal breakdown would be 30% culled cows and 70% beef. It is telling me that this is now 50:50. This must be reversed in order to change the difficult differences in price at the moment. Are extra markets being developed for calves that will be difficult to sell next spring and beyond?