Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise because I was delayed at a previous meeting. This is a very important issue. Mr. Cashman has exceptional experience of private practice in the last 40 years. Given the challenges at the private practice level with regard to dealing with dog ownership, are vets under pressure at times due to the obligation of a veterinary practice to treat animals? Does Mr. Cashman find that some practitioners are always to the fore and will treat animals, but they might not be getting the financial reward for that afterwards? When vets take over their jobs, they swear an oath to do what they do as vets, and they will always take care of an animal. Does Mr. Cashman believe there is a burden on a private practice veterinary surgeon with regard to the financial implications of doing the job on the ground?