Mr. Daragh Quinn:

On the role of the pharmacist in a community pharmacy, obviously, patients visit their pharmacy and come to see us regarding human health. Many farmers and agricultural patients have animals for which they seek advice. We give appropriate advice following a protocol whereby we assess the circumstances. We do not make a diagnosis; we make an assessment and recommendation at the time in response to diagnostic tests. Sometimes they are faecal egg count tests and sometimes the recommendation is a response to symptoms. We have a qualification to do that. It is not just as a pharmacist; all responsible persons are equally qualified to do it.

As members have noted, the qualification has been undertaken with significant effort. Many hours of study and exams have been undertaken at significant cost to each person, and this will now be rendered redundant. These people will have spent all that time and effort, and while they still will be entitled to dispense these products, it will be only on foot of a vet's prescription. It has been understood that there is a shortage of vets throughout the country and there is a reluctance on the part of vets to issue prescriptions, which, technically, is their statutory obligation.