Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I presume the Minister and the Department will have the opportunity to put down amendments to this Bill if they want any change of emphasis but we have put a lot of preparatory work into it. Its purpose is to ensure that veterinary practices stay in the ownership of vets. It is fairly straightforward and very unambiguous. I have already discussed this with the Minister. While the Minister and the Department might seek changes in wording, I hope they will buy into the purpose of the Bill. If this Bill is passed, it will be very clear about the ownership of practices. It would be my view that the Veterinary Council of Ireland will have to implement that amended legislation to ensure vets are the only people permitted to own veterinary practices. We are doing this in the interests of public health and animal health and welfare. When this Bill comes back to the floor of the Dáil, if the Minister has any amendments, he will have the opportunity to introduce them then.