Roscommon Deputy Claire Kerrane says there must be consequences for those engaged in what she described as "vile abuse" of calves contrary to the law and basic common decency.
Deputy Kerrane is the Sinn Fein spokesperson on agriculture.
Deputy Claire Kerrane was responding to last night's RTE investigates documentary on the dairy sector which highlighted the huge increases in the amount of bull calves in recent years and the poor conditions for many as a result.
In a statement issued following the screening of the programme the Sinn Fein TD says it was hard to watch, and highlighted cruel practices by some in some marts which do not reflect how the vast majority of handlers, mart staff and farmers treat animals.
The Roscommon TD says animal welfare standards exist for a reason but they are useless if they're not monitored and enforced.
She says the programme showed a number of laws being blatantly disregarded regarding animal welfare in this country, as well as the failure to adhere to laws in place for live exports as regards rest times and feeding and this is unacceptable.
The Sinn Fein agriculture spokesperson is calling for a thorough investigation into what was shown last night and a review of the practice around live exports.
She also says that with regard to one marts response of more animal welfare training for people shown to be physically abusing calves, she believes the individuals responsible need to be identified and sacked.]
