Ms Niamh Muldoon:

The answer is "No". The Veterinary Council of Ireland can only enforce the legislation we have. I fully accept that at the time, an interpretation of the legislation was reflected in the code of conduct, whether correctly or incorrectly. That was then clarified in legal advices given to the council to the effect that the legislation does not speak to ownership. The council is a statutory body and can only use the powers given to us by Leinster House. Once legal advice that the Veterinary Council of Ireland did not have powers in respect of ownership was received, the correct process for the council was to reflect that position, which is what it did. This did cause consternation. In hindsight, the Grant Thornton report and the associated consultation and engagement with the stakeholders was very helpful. That has now been put in place. That report will be very helpful not only to the Veterinary Council of Ireland, but also to this committee. The issue is very divisive. We know that. Our role is to regulate effectively. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do with any legislation that is in place.