Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our three speakers. This is very informative. Their presentation took much of the technical jargon out of the process and that is greatly appreciated. I will probably echo what many other speakers said in that I have concerns that the proposals, as set out, for the veterinary medicines regulations will increase costs for farmers. Ultimately, farmers and everybody on this committee are absolutely determined to ensure best practices. We are very proud of our food production in this country and, indeed, farmers are very proud of it. We are also very proud of our commitment and track record in animal health and welfare. Unfortunately, if there is a cost factor and costs are driven up, the animal will suffer ultimately, which would be a retrograde step.

We have not touched on the risk of displacement in our rural communities. There are many businesses for which the core part is the sale of antibiotics. Several of my colleagues have alluded to models in operation on the Continent that could perhaps be replicated here. I appreciate it is not part of the witnesses' remit to speak to those issues. However, it is important that Veterinary Ireland is aware of my preference, and the preference articulated by many of the farmers in my constituency, which is for a model similar to that available in some EU countries. If we have to fully comply with the regulations as set out, there has to be a model in place, similar to some EU countries, where there is the opportunity to get a prescription but also to buy at an alternative outlet.