Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In Ireland we have detailed legislation in place to protect calf welfare based on both EU and national rules. The legislation covers calf welfare at every point including when they are on farms, during transport and when they are at other premises such as marts. Officials from my Department carry out a range of inspections to check compliance with this legislation each year. For example targeted, risk based inspections of dairy and other farms involved in rearing calves are carried out each year as well as inspections at marts and around transport. In addition to these pre-planned inspections, any reports of specific welfare incidents or concerns to my Department are also promptly investigated. Where animal welfare issues are identified, appropriate follow-up action can and will be taken.

In 2019 the Calf Stakeholder Forum was established specifically to support the welfare and optimise the value of male dairy calves. Its membership includes a wide representation from industry groups, research and advisory bodies and the Department. The Forum continues to meet regularly to collaborate on actions which can help to improve the welfare of male dairy calves. The forum aligns with the overarching policy objective to develop a more integrated and sustainable strategy for the livestock sector with closer alignment of the dairy and beef sectors. This includes development of enhanced strategies for dairy and dairy beef rearing. My Department works closely with these stakeholders in the promotion of initiatives on dairy beef integration, for example;

• Teagasc is currently running a five year Dairy Beef 500 campaign focused on maximising the potential of beef production from the dairy herd.
• ICBF continues to work on a number of initiatives including a national genotyping programme and promoting the use of CBV (Commercial Beef Value) scoring for calves at sale.
• Increased use of sexed semen which will reduce the overall number of male dairy calves being born.

There are also other initiatives in place to improve calf welfare – for example this month sees the continuation of CalfCare events organised by Animal Health Ireland (AHI) in co-operation with Teagasc, and industry partners. The theme of Calfcare 2024 is "Breeding, Feeding and Health for Successful Calf Rearing". I believe these events help to keep farmers informed of best practice husbandry and management to ensure optimal calf health and welfare and a high level of performance for calves in their care.

It is my firm view that every calf born on an Irish farm is of value, and also that every farmer is responsible for the welfare of his or her calves. On-farm breeding policy determines the value and utility of calves born in dairy herds and therefore has an impact on welfare.

I am confident that through the work of my Department officials, the Calf Stakeholder Forum, and the other relevant agencies, and through the commitment of the dairy industry as a whole, we will continue to ensure the welfare of all calves born on Irish farms, this year and into the future. I will be launching an action plan shortly to encourage dairy calf and beef systems.

My Department takes the welfare of all animals extremely seriously. The welfare of young and more vulnerable animals such as male dairy calves is of particular importance however and for that reason significant resources from my Department are allocated to calf welfare actions on an ongoing basis.