Ms Niamh Muldoon:

I thank Senator Paul Daly. On the role of the Veterinary Council, it is a statutory body and it is right and proper for it to seek its own legal advice. Quite simply, it does not have the option to go to the Attorney General or to come to the committee to ask it to interpret legislation. The practice of veterinary medicine is carried out by individuals who are on the registers maintained by the Veterinary Council. There is no question but that the practice of veterinary medicine is, squarely, being regulated and will continue to be regulated. The Veterinary Council is very strong in ensuring the integrity of veterinary medicine and veterinary services nationally will always be under the council's watchful eye. The high standards enjoyed by all stakeholders around the country will be maintained. Of course, while it is regrettable that there was not a period of consultation before these changes took place, there has been a very robust period of consultation that is ongoing. That consultation has illuminated a number of issues which will now be considered by the council in due course following receipt of the report. I might hand over the to the president of the council.