Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputies Carthy and Fitzmaurice. All the amendments are of interest, but the one that is of most interest and the one on which we have had most discussion so far is amendment No. 7, which relates to the capacity to prescribe other than by farm visit. That is a matter in respect of which I have had significant engagement with all stakeholders from the outset. What this legislation is designed to do overall is address issues in regard to antiparasitic and antimicrobial resistance. That is an objective we all support. That is important, but what is equally important is that in making the changes, putting additional checks in place and dealing with the need for a prescription, we do not see an impact on the availability of products and the routes of supply for farmers that have existed up to now. We must find a mechanism to allow licensed merchants and pharmacists who have been part of the supply chain for farmers and from whom they have purchased up to now to remain in the market. We must ensure that competition and the various avenues of supply continue and that we do not impact on them. I have been very committed to that from the outset. My objective in introducing this legislation is to ensure that those avenues for farmers to be able to purchase where they have purchased before remain.

That is my absolute commitment and mission here, and it has been from the start. It has been the subject of many meetings that I have had. I have had engagements with Members in the Oireachtas committee. I have engaged with the Chairman in particular and other committee members as well on this. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that those avenues remain open in terms of the outcome and implementation of this legislation. If necessary, I am considering bringing forward an amendment on Report Stage to address that. I am still in the process of engaging with stakeholders. I am having engagements with the Veterinary Council of Ireland on achieving that outcome as well. That work is ongoing. If necessary, I will bring forward an amendment on Report Stage to ensure that outcome. I have been committed from the outset to ensuring that while we address the issues of resistance to antiparasitics and antimicrobials, we do not impact on the competition that is available and the prices that farmers pay. This is in order that there will not be a reduction in the number of outlets from which these products can be purchased. We must change the way we prescribe them and the culture around how we use them. We must ensure that the massive issues relating to resistance that have developed are addressed and improve the situation, because it is a slippery slope to a lot of these products becoming ineffectual. The latter would have an impact not just on animal health but also on the effectiveness of medicines relating to human health. It is an important part of the business model of many businesses and we must recognise that. We want to maintain that. I am continuing the work in this regard and I intend to have it concluded by Report Stage. I am indicating here today that I will potentially bring forward an amendment on Report Stage in order to deal with the matter.

While I am clear on the matter Deputy Carthy is seeking to address, namely, the one we have just been discussing, I am of the view that the amendment would not achieve its purpose in this regard. The amendment I will bring forward, if necessary, would be more precise and it would achieve the purpose required. For example, Deputy Carthy's amendment does not provide any enablement power for the Minister to propose an appropriate alternative. It does not provide for the Minister to bring in a regulation. It highlights the issue but does not provide the Minister with the capacity to bring forward an alternative. The amendment provides a prohibition in respect of a description, which is the "client-patient-practice-relationship", but does not define what that is. I understand the intent behind the amendment. I am putting down a marker here today that this may be a matter in respect of which I will bring forward an amendment on Report Stage. Regardless, my absolute objective, as it has been from the start, which has been the subject of extensive work and engagement, is to make sure that in the outcome we do not have an adverse impact. We want to ensure there will continue to be competition in the market so that farmers will have the same capacity to have a choice of suppliers and we also recognise the important role that these products play in a lot of local rural business models as well.

I will touch on the other amendments.