Mr. Brian McHugh:

No. That may be a factor in the potential impact, but in terms of having a market that is open to choice for the type of entity that decides to enter that market as it has done in other markets, our view is that consumers should have that choice. If vets want to enter partnerships, they should be free to do so. If they want to operate as stand-alone sole traders, they should be free to do so. If a corporate wants to invest in a practice, it should be free to do so. We have seen that in a number of markets. As set out in our submission, it brings many benefits. If consumers, including farmers, do not want the service provided by those corporate entities, they will not use those particular practices. If they get a better service, quality or price elsewhere, that is where they will go. That fundamental point about the impact of this legislation remains, not just for the veterinary sector, but also other sectors in Ireland. The CCPC has had an issue with vested interests. Where walls are built around professions or market sectors, it can have a damaging effect on that market from the point of view of consumers. This is a principle that we feel strongly-----