Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To follow up on something Ms Garvan said with regard to there being some medicines to which animals have developed resistance. She is a qualified veterinarian. Can she name some examples of those medicines?

Are our permanent representatives in Brussels meeting the Commission to discuss this issue? If so, how many meetings have taken place in the recent months? What position has been reached as a result? What reasons have been given for Ireland not obtaining a derogation in respect of the regulation?

I asked the witnesses who appeared earlier about the alleged monopoly relating to existing prescription vet-only medicines and the cost of such medicines. They said that the prices have increased by quite a percentage. They gave the example of sheep dip and how much that would increase were it to require a prescription.

What investigation has the Department carried out in respect of the shortage of vets? Vets are very busy people. I come from a farming background. Vets spend a great deal of time out on the road testing cattle, seeing animals or whatever as opposed to in their practices. Now, like doctors, they will have queues of people waiting to get prescriptions.

A person might not be able to get a prescription there and then. He or she might have to wait two or three days. We are going in reverse. Perhaps, Ms Garvan will comment on those issues. I am interested if Ms Garvan has a list of the medicines she is concerned about to which resistance has built up.