Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week the Irish Farmers' Journal stated in an exclusive report, and the Irish Farmers' Journal claims to have seen the document, that it is proposed in Europe that 33% of Irish beef would have to go by the wayside, as well as 5% of our dairy sector, to comply with the 2020 targets.

I know the Minister has referred to the matter. The Minister is alleged to have said yesterday that we will be increasing our herd by 300,000 cattle. We welcome more exports and so on. However, if someone in Europe is doing this and if this is an exclusive report, we need to get it and sit down with people. Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?

See this speech in context