Paul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentation. I have been raising this issue and beating the drum for some time. If we do not get this right, I see the potential consequences for the farming community, the merchants and the veterinary union. We could walk ourselves into a situation where we will affect animal welfare issues. I thank the Chairman and my fellow committee members for their indulgence and co-operation in allowing my suggestion to have this issue put on the agenda for discussion today. I thank the ILMA and the IPU for their comprehensive submissions. I compliment them on never trying to create an us-and-them scenario with the issue. They seem to be willing to work with departmental officials to get a resolution that will help, farmers, suppliers and the animals.

I have a question about competition for the licensed merchants. How will the licensed merchants' jobs be affected if this derogation or some similar compromise is not enforced? I seek further clarification on competition and how this might affect retail prices and eat further into what is an almost non-existent margin for beef and sheep farmers.

Licensed merchants are currently legally permitted to stock and sell veterinary product which requires a veterinary licence. How does that system work at the moment?