Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, I will talk about corporates, as regards the practices that have required in the country up to this stage. There have targeted small animal practices in large urban centres, as well as specialist practices that would be lucrative, whether it is in the equine sector, or whatever they have targeted. They have been targeting the intensive farming areas where there would be a large concentration of fairly large herds, especially in the dairy sector. That is where corporates have purchase practices in 26 counties at the moment. There has been a significant number of purchases in the last 12 to 18 months. This legislation is therefore pertinent. It is essential that we get it onto the Statute Book.

Deputy Carthy had a question about the number of vets in a practice in group ownership. I will let one of the witnesses answer that question. However, I think that is catered for and that it will not be an issue within this legislation. The Deputy mentioned the availability of animal medicines going forward. We will discuss the legislation on that in the committee next week. We may get to a scenario where there is restrictive availability of veterinary medicines. If corporates had the control of sales, we would see the profit margins and the cost to the end-user increase dramatically. The farmer’s relationship with his or her local vet gives farmers a bargaining tool in the cost of medicines. However, if he or she argues prices with a corporate, he or she will have no bargaining power whatsoever. Hopefully we will get a better solution to that. As I said, we will get a briefing that committee next week on that. Hopefully that scenario will not arise, but I fully accept the Deputy’s point. If veterinary medicines and distribution are solely under control of veterinary practices, corporate ownership would add greatly to the cost.

Mr. Murphy or Mr. Neary might have a comment on the group ownership.