Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of the questions I wished to pose have already been asked. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine should be protecting the farmer. The farmer will be hard hit. The sector cannot take the hit at this point because it has taken many in recent years and is facing into very worrying times with the advent of Brexit. From what was said earlier, I gather that this is not a European directive but that the Department is pushing it. Is that the case?

Mr. O'Shea from west Cork made an excellent contribution. Has the Department estimated how many jobs may be lost if this goes ahead in its current form? We have heard from others that policing the Border against illegal movement of VMPs from the UK into the Republic will prove impossible. Mr. Forde said it would be policed very well but I cannot see how the Department is going to police it. How does the Department view the repercussions if a prescription-only service from vets is set up here whereas over the Border a suitably qualified person will be able to prescribe and dispense for free?