Ms Niamh Muldoon:

Yes. We do not know who has ownership. I cannot tell the Deputy who owns any practice in the country. There are approximately 770 veterinary practice premises, all of which operate following the issuing of a certificate of suitability by the Veterinary Council to an individual registered with us.

As to how we regulate, individuals join the register after being proofed or assessed by the Veterinary Council as being suitably educated and qualified, as being of sufficiently good standing if they have worked abroad, for example, if they have encountered disciplinary matters, and as continuing their veterinary education, given that, regardless of whether vets have been qualified for five, ten, 20 or 40 years, they must maintain their competence and skill to ensure they can deliver a strong service. We also have a code of professional conduct.