Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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703. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the number of open greenfield programmes involving milk production operating here; his views on the sustainability of such farming operations, which have animals living in exposed roofless cubicles, and which in the context of the climate conditions prevailing raises animal welfare issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the existence of a number open Greenfield programmes involving milk production in Ireland.  Experimental models such as these are aimed at optimising efficiency through technology adoption, reducing labour requirements and ensuring sustainability through environmental and animal welfare best practice.   It should be noted that similar models are operated successfully in countries like Canada and New Zealand where temperatures can be considerably lower than those typically seen in Ireland.

While the structure of these businesses is to a large extent an operational matter for the producers concerned, my Department ensures that requirements in terms of animal welfare and sustainable practices are well understood and implemented within the sector.

A high standard of animal welfare is crucial to the sustainability and profitability of dairy farms and is demanded by my Department as the industry regulatory body and other stakeholders including consumers.  Cold stress in animals is mainly mitigated by ensuring that animals have access to sufficient food and water which has a higher impact on cold stress than the availability of roofing on their housing.

While the extreme weather events of recent times are thankfully unusual, it is important that models continue to be reviewed by all relevant stakeholders in terms of animal welfare and operational sustainability in the context of climate change.  It is also essential that contingencies be developed to ensure that the models remain flexible, effective and in line with best practices.