Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests and reiterate the Chair's thanks for the work vets do across the country alongside our farming community. As Deputy Kehoe said, I am sure the witnesses are aware that some interpret the witnesses' position on the EU regulation on veterinary medical products as a money grabbing exercise to concentrate wealth in the hands of vets at the expense of the licensed merchants and other responsible persons.

I previously raised a point that there was a clear distinction in human medicine between the person prescribing the medicine and the person buying it. The medicine is prescribed by a GP and purchased in a pharmacy. The separation of prescribing and dispensing of veterinary medicines has been advocated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Chief Veterinary Officer, CVO. Does Veterinary Ireland deem it a suitable way to proceed to ensure its members are not overburdened, the licensed merchants remain viable, as an important asset to many rural communities, and in terms of the health benefits I previously mentioned?

Veterinary Ireland made a bold statement in its statement that Ireland was fortunate in that every farm had access to a vet 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. It is not universally true. The witnesses will be aware of issues that arose when Donegal Animal Hospital moved into lay ownership. Veterinary Ireland called for the Department to investigate the operation of the practice. Is it fair to say that a farm does not always have access to a vet at all times?

Veterinary Ireland's statement said that antiparasitic resistance represented a clear and present danger, with which I agree. The danger it presents to the Irish agrifood industry was mentioned. Veterinary Ireland will be aware that the industry operates on an all-Ireland basis but there is a divergence North and South. Following the implementation of the regulation, that divergence will be at 90 degrees and present a sustained threat and challenge. Do the witnesses have a proposal on how we address that while recognising that it does not appear likely the British will move towards the EU system in the short term?

Zolvix is a new product available on prescription from licensed merchants. It is a vital tool in reducing sheep worm resistance. Take up by many vets in prescribing of the product seems to have been poor. Could our guests give us an explanation as to why?