Ms Niamh Muldoon:

It is not sustainable for ownership to be restricted to the profession. It is not the case for medics, pharmacists or dentists. It would not be sustainable or wise to make such a provision in the case of the veterinary profession. I am not sure that the esteemed Houses of the Oireachtas would be enabled to pass legislation to that effect. I am not sure any member of the High Court would approve of such legislation. Ultimately, the passage of legislation is a matter for this committee and for the Houses. Oireachtas Members are charged with that honour. There is a role for the Veterinary Council of Ireland. I accept that the potential exists for vet shortages in certain parts of the country. This is something that the council has on its radar. It is an area in which we want to take action and be involved. The council has access to a significant quantity of data. No great analysis of that data has been carried out to date. One of the strategic objectives that have been identified by the council involves seeking to influence and inform partner bodies and to engage with them. It is open to the council to carry out some research on all the information it has. The council is currently sitting on data for all registrants relating to what age they are, where they are physically or geographically in practice and what area of practice they are in. In theory, it is open to the council to foresee potential shortages around the country ten, 15 or 20 years down the tracks. The council is looking at the potential to carry out some research. I hope we can work with the Department to influence policies in these kinds of areas. The Deputy is correct that the potential exists for practice in remote areas to come under threat. All of society needs to be concerned about this. I believe there is a role for the council in this regard. However, I do not believe there is a legislative basis for getting involved in that.