Sir, - The "experts" in Brussels who intend introducing a calf slaughtering premium may have studied economics to a high level, but they obviously have never stayed up all night with a cow to ensure that she calves safely. They plan to pay farmers to slaughter calves in order to maintain high beef prices. How many people can afford to eat quality beef (not burgers) with any regularity?
Cattle have played an integral part in Irish life through the centuries. From the great cattle raids of Grainne Mhaol to the early Christians to the Vikings, people depended on cattle for sustenance. What would they say about the proposed calf slaughtering premium? We are hearing a lot about promoting consumer measures like this one are certainly not the way to go about it. - Yours, etc.,
The Cloisters,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.