Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Department representatives, the merchants and the members and representatives of veterinary associations. I have concerns for many of the stakeholders, the farmers, as regards the potential unavailability of vets. That is a major factor. The creation of a monopoly is a concern as well. Monopolies obviously do not end well for the consumer. I have concerns about the merchants, the loss of business and the role they play, particularly in rural Ireland. I have concerns as well for the pharmacist as regards the loss of business. This is at a time when, on the human side, we are increasing the role that pharmacists play yet on this side we are actually reducing their role, and indeed that of vets, in the animal welfare aspect. My understanding from speaking to a range of vets across Mayo is that the service in the west is run in many cases on overtime, and this will increase more workload on them.

I have just a few questions. Ms Garvan mentioned that an assessment was done by the Department. What was the outcome of the impact assessment as regards the consequences for the merchants? Ms Garvan also mentioned that mitigation factors were introduced. What were they? Specifically, what tangible measures can she say the Department has addressed to the merchants here today?