Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The investigation is very welcome and everyone agrees on that, but it will do nothing to move away from live exports. The Taoiseach might call it simplistic to say these incidents have resulted from the expansion of dairy, but it is also basic maths. We have had a massive increase in the number of cattle in the dairy herd and, therefore, a massive increase in the number of bull calves. The Taoiseach can call it simplistic, but it is true. This scandal is a direct consequence of Government policy that has pushed intensification and maximum production in the dairy sector. This failed model has also resulted in pollution of our pristine waterways, the degrading of our soil and an increase in our emissions. The Taoiseach's colleague, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, was Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when milk quotas were lifted. In 2014, the year before that happened, he said the dairy industry had been operating under a straitjacket with the quota system.

He also stated categorically that he would not allow a situation where the potential for growth and expansion of agrifood would be compromised by the setting of emission limits. The mantra has always been "No limits". That is why we are having this conversation today. If the Government cannot acknowledge that, no one will have faith that it can address the issue either.

See this speech in context