Mr. Daragh Quinn:

I thank the committee again for this opportunity. I would like to revert back to Deputy Nolan's question on a Scandinavian model for the supply of veterinary medicines. This model exists and it is effective and successful in Scandinavia.

It reduces the potential of a commercial conflict of interest, which is caused by the present dichotomy of roles engaged by veterinarians who both prescribe and dispense veterinary medicines. In human medicines, doctors prescribe and pharmacists dispense, which means there is no commercial conflict of interest. Separating prescribing and dispensing would allow vets to concentrate on their clinical work and avoid a situation such as that suggested by Deputy Kehoe where there would be a clogging up of veterinary clinics whose essential work would be diminished and pressurised. It allows the vets in Scandinavia to enhance their professional roles.

Another advantage would be to allow a more effective stewardship of veterinary medicines where resistance concerns have been identified, including both antimicrobial and antiparasitic medicines. This model would retain the expertise and accessibility of all those in the present supply model as there would be a role for prescribing vets, dispensing pharmacists and responsible persons, with each sector's expertise utilised to its optimum. No pharmacist, licensed merchant or co-operative is looking to usurp the role of any other professional. We must be conscious of the fact that there is a role for all of us. The most important element is that we look to sustain these precious medicines in the future and act responsibly.