Speaking exclusively to the Irish Farmers Journal at the Mayo IFA 60th anniversary celebrations in Westport on Saturday night, An Taoiseach said the Government remains “committed” to supporting the suckler sector, especially in the west of Ireland. Kenny said that suckler cow numbers must be “at least maintained” at current levels.

“It has always had an important part to play in the development of the agri economy from the west of Ireland point of view and we want that to continue,” An Taoiseach said.

“So while elements within the agri sector are always cyclical in nature, sucklers have been an important part of that and we want that to continue,” Kenny added.

“The suckler herd is the bedrock of the beef industry, particularly in these western counties, and supporting that sector will continue to be a key focus of this Government,” Kenny said before referencing the €300m budget for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme.

Kenny also spoke at length about the challenges in the dairy sector as well as the difficulties regarding climate change.

The Irish Farmers Journal will have an exclusive and extended interview with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny in this Thursday's print edition and at www.farmersjournal.ie at 10pm on Wednesday.