Ms Niamh Muldoon:

I might open the response and then invite my colleagues to offer their comments. The intention of this regulation is to improve both animal health and welfare and human health and offer some protections in that regard. It offers an opportunity for Ireland and other European countries to advance the standards in practice in relation to medicines. It also affords an opportunity for a Europe-wide standard to be adopted. Ultimately, that is going to benefit animal health and welfare, and indeed public health.

On the concerns about low-value animals, farmers across the country are the first guardians of the welfare of animals. I believe we are very fortunate in this country in terms of the level of experience and expertise we have among our farmers and indeed our veterinary practitioners. I do not believe these regulations should pose a difficulty in animal welfare terms or otherwise. Mr. Moffitt, who, in addition to being the president of the council is also a veterinary practitioner, may have some comments to add.