Dr. Paul Corkery:

I have had conversations with responsible persons, RPs, and licensed merchants, LMs, about this. We recognise that is a genuine concern. Farmers have a relationship with their vet. I am talking specifically about antiparasitics. They are used throughout the year at different times. To use the example Deputy Cowen mentioned, a prescription is given when the herd test is done, say in January. There will be several line items such as fly treatments, worm doses, and so on listed. It will be acceptable for the farmer to say he does not want to buy those products in one fell swoop and that he will buy them periodically during the year when it suits his finances, given that this is a low margin businesses. Sometimes, he would buy from the co-operative because that is his line of credit. We do not envisage prescribing for antiparasitics will be as difficult as people first thought. The farmer can say he needs a prescription and will need it during the year, he understands the vet can give it to him for 12 months and he will ask for it for three, four or five items. It is likely the vet will accede to the request.