Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That, in itself, is not really following the science. If a farmer has a 5-star cow and is in SCEP, the cow will remain 5-star, but if the farmer sells the cow, it is not 5-star. That does not make sense. There has been a lack of engagement in respect of these changes. For the third time, what engagement has the Minister had with the ICBF? Has it contacted him? Its representatives were clear at the committee yesterday in saying there has been an impact on farmers. The Minister keeps referring to the 84%. I am talking about the 16% of farmers who have done everything, including signing up to SCEP, in good faith. The rug has been pulled from under them and they need to be heard. It is reasonable to ask for this to be paused for a short time to allow engagement to happen and a solution to be found. On anything relating to data, science and the environment, we have to bring farmers with us. That has not been done in the context of these changes. It will not work if that does not happen. I again ask the Minister to consider the proposal for the ICBF to pause the changes and, at least, bring that to its board. It is not willing to do so, but I believe it should.

See this speech in context