Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In an interview in July the chief veterinary officer said significant changes were coming but that he was not necessarily sure whether they would be as big as they might appear to be. Since then, some members of the major milk producing co-operatives have experienced the budget 9% reduction in the intra-mammary tubes status. This raises questions about the Department's preparedness and competence to address adequately what is being addressed through this legislation. We are still in the dark about the Attorney General's advice, which is another factor that brings the whole thing into question as far as I am concerned. The Minister of State is saying this pre-legislative scrutiny is being rushed because of a sense of urgency. What if the Minister of State were looking at this from any other position than from where he is. If he was looking at it on his own, would he find it acceptable? Did the Department give any consideration to ensuring the reps could have similar abilities such as the suitably qualified persons? Does the Department believe this ship has sailed at this stage?