Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman said that the images shown in the Prime Time calf investigation episode were “not representative” to how Irish calves are treated.
The footage showed young stock brought from ships, with many covered in dung, along with footage of dead animals piled into a mound and left to rot.
Gorman said that there “has to be a zero-tolerance approach” for anyone who does not adhere to the highest standards.
“The transport of animals is governed by stringent regulations. Live exports carried out in line with the regulations are extremely important for the sector,” Gorman said.
He added that anyone with evidence of wrongdoing “should make it available to the authorities”.
“Having a functioning live animal trade provides competition in the market to help ensure that Irish farmers get a fair price.
“Our livestock are in demand because of the quality of our stock. However, the highest standards must be maintained and there can be no corners cut,” Gorman said.
Calf investigation
RTÉ contacted a number of associations and farm organisations, along with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue for pre-recorded interviews.
President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) Denis Drennan featured on the programme.
Drennan said he was “committed” to defending the reputation and standards of Irish farmers and “would never back off” from that position.
The IFA had been approached to take part in the Prime Time Investigates episode for a pre-recorded interview, however declined, as the association “were not comfortable commenting” on a programme that its members had not seen in full.
The association had said that the IFA president would be available for a live interview on the night, after the programme had been seen in full. This was ruled out by RTÉ.