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

I thank the Minister for his reply. We all agree on ensuring the viability of farm families. However, the reality is that a person could have a five star bull today, but if there is a problem at calving from an off-spring of that bull, the bull could be reduced to a two star rating. This would be the same as an animal the person might have had the week before. Farmers will be expected to get rid of all their bulls which are under five stars. This means many bulls will be slaughtered.

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