Mr. Conor Geraghty:

We sat on the antiparasitic working group. It never agreed about the issue of antiparasitics. Every meeting was the same as the previous one, and there has not been any resolution of that matter. We would like more consultation on the national veterinary prescription system. We have a track record of delivering over 90% of vets to the animal health care system when we agreed it with the Department in 2003. It was a big change in different times. Technology was in its infancy compared with now but we still delivered over 90% of vets to that in the first year, through consultation and working through the issues. The Department has chosen to put this in primary legislation. We are fearful that people who do not understand some of the nuances in it might be inclined to retire a little early rather than take it on. People who are 66, 67 or 68 and intend to retire in two years might be prescribing very few antiparasitics. I do not see why there could not be an allowance to lead them on. They have to be replaced. Every sector in Ireland has recruitment issues. Large animal veterinary services are no different. More consultation on the national veterinary prescription system would be welcome.