ICMSA warn on livestock scheme

THE ICMSA warned yesterday that it would not permit discrimination against the country’s 23,000 dairy herd owners in any new livestock scheme.

Minister Mary Coughlan indicated last Sunday that she intends to introduce new measures to ensure that the national suckler herd will continue to play its key role in producing quality cattle.

ICMSA president Jackie Cahill said yesterday all of the 93,000 cattle breeding herd owners in the country, whether dairy or beef, must be allowed to apply for this new livestock scheme on grounds of fairness and equality, if nothing else.