Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Just to be very clear, I am not in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and I do not have any knowledge of this case. I know this is not acceptable at times for Deputies when Topical Issue debates and the issues raised in them are very important. Obviously, though, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, will have the detail and knowledge concerning this matter. When Deputies have visitors coming to the Gallery, I respect the fact that it is not ideal when someone like me comes in who does not have the detail or the knowledge on a case like this. This is because it is not under my jurisdiction. I will, though, bring back the issues raised here by Deputy Cahill.

Coming from a family farm, I know how well animals are looked after by farmers. My late dad had his herd depopulated back in the 1980s, which was a very distressing time for our family. I can, therefore, very much appreciate what it is like when something like this happens to someone's family farm. I refer to the investment in terms of the work and care that farmers put into their animals. It must be exceptionally distressing when something like what has happened in this case occurs. I can appreciate it. It is heartfelt when I comment on the sincerity with which the Deputy has raised this issue. I will again raise this case with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, in respect of the Deputy's contribution on this matter tonight and put forward the strong case he has made. Obviously, the agriculture committee has discussed this as well. The Minister has put on the record here tonight that he has committed to reviewing this case in the new year. It is important to respond to the process and to ensure all the detail is with the Minister to allow him to make a determination in this regard. I will genuinely bring exactly what the Deputy said here tonight to the attention of the Minister.

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