Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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The Department would take it, however, that this cohort of more than 15% are probably the most efficient operators in the field. They have probably spent a generation, if not three, building up their herd profile in a certain way, usually with high-yielding cows. Some of them could be winter milk cows. With the majority of these animals that hit the 15%, it will take, if not one, two breeding seasons to bring them back down into band two. That is a significant change. Does Mr. Callanan think they would need time to change their farming practices or their breeding profile? The witnesses know themselves. The animals that are in calf at the moment are probably not in line with the nitrates directive. Next spring they definitely will be, but at the moment that work has not begun. I just question the idea that there will not be a cull. In places such as Barryroe, in west Cork, they are maximised out. The majority of the herds are only 80 cows each. The majority of farmers there are all dairy farmers. There is no room to expand in respect of any other land becoming available. The majority of them would be in that category. I, therefore, question the timelines by which they would need to change their herd profiles. Does the Department think they would need more time than 18 months?