Ms Niamh Muldoon:

As referenced in the report, the Competition Authority made a recommendation relating to the ownership of veterinary practices in 2008. The position of the council is that it does not have, and never has had, the legal remit to make a comment on ownership. It does not collect data and does not ask any veterinary practitioner or nurse around the country who owns the practice in which they work. The focus of the council is on the effective regulation of the service and on ensuring that standards are high. Our vets and nurses are educated to a high degree and they get continuous professional development throughout their careers. We also deal with disciplinary matters.