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

Herein lies the problem, because Mr. McHugh mentioned pharmacies a number of times with regard to the approach we should take to veterinary practices. If an area that is currently serviced by a veterinary practice is not serviced by such a practice in the future, it means that farms will be essentially inoperable. They will not be able to operate as they do currently. Mr. McHugh has highlighted and recommended an approach that simply will not work in the sector we are describing now.

Mr. McHugh has outlined and championed a scenario that sees pharmacies moving to the areas of greatest profitability, as opposed to providing the best service to consumers. That pinpoints the difficulty I have with the commission's approach.