Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending today. The current service was mentioned. I am from Limerick, but I have used the service in the current veterinary hospital. I compliment the staff there. I was there on two occasions with two different dogs. It is a very good service for small animals and I know there is also a service for larger animals. I believe those services need to be expanded. I see where I am from that many people travel abroad to go to college. I know the witnesses cannot comment on specific applications, but I would like to ask what timeframe we are looking at before there is an announcement. I know it will be up to the Government after the recommendation has been made. Has a recommendation been made, from the submissions received, as to which location is best suited for the next veterinary college? Will there be a veterinary hospital as well as training?

I will go back to a point made by Senator Daly. In my neck of the woods, the University of Limerick looked at collaboration between veterinary practices and people who might have had experience. People could bring a portfolio to the table to demonstrate experience. They might not have qualifications but may have practised as a veterinary nurse. They may have grown up on a farm or been on another course that is appropriate or complementary to veterinary medicine. Could that be considered as part of the recommendation?