Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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We have had considerable engagement with stakeholders. I recognise the work and submissions of this committee, which has examined this matter in great detail, as have the Department and myself. Our objective is to put in place a regime that is robust from the point of view of addressing microbial resistance and ensuring we avoid a situation that has unfortunately arisen over the years, namely, a growing resistance to many medicines leading to their increased ineffectiveness in performing the functions for which they were designed. Not managing the medicines strongly also has implications from a human health point of view. This is about trying to have good practice in place to ensure there is strong professional advice and guidance on how antibiotics and antimicrobials are administered while also being practical and having safeguards from a farming point of view without creating additional costs. It is a matter of balancing these. We are close to an outcome that will work. We have engaged closely with all stakeholders and taken their points on board, including this committee's. The Chairman has advocated strongly on behalf of the committee about the need for a good and balanced approach. We will achieve that.