Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of Veterinary Ireland and the Veterinary Council of Ireland for being with us and for their comprehensive reports. As the witnesses are aware, we have heard from the Department and the merchants association. The arguments they put forward related to the monopoly in the provision of animal health services that has occurred as the result of the statutory instrument. They gave the good example of what had happened in respect of the provision of dry cow tubes. Some 2% are now provided by co-operatives and chemists as opposed to directly from vet practices. What is our witnesses' argument on that point? It seems to me that it is anti-competitive. I appreciate it should not be. On the figures, it appears that is how the situation has worked out up to now. There appear to be valid concerns.