Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to be argumentative but I do not fully agree with Mr. Doyle on the welfare standards. We are meeting very exacting standards as it is. If welfare standards are raised, then the economics of exporting go out the window. We changed our lorries ten or 12 years ago at great expense. Our calves and weanlings arrive in perfect condition. There comes a time when we have to state that these animals are able to lie down in the lorries where they are comfortable, ventilated and have water. They have everything when they are travelling. If we give into demands to increase standards, then the hand brake is going to come up at some stage and it is not going to be economical to transport those animals. I would be holding ground on this issue. Our calves are arriving in perfect condition now. We are the only island country within the EU and we have to travel. Once we are getting our calves delivered in good condition, we should state that enough is enough.