Ms Niamh Muldoon:

Veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing are two separate and distinct professions and are subject to two separate and distinct standards of accreditation. It is important we do not underestimate the level of commitment and responsibility involved in delivering a programme of veterinary medicine. It is very expensive, intensive and there is a huge requirement for expertise. It is one of the more intensive programmes delivered by any institution in terms of disciplines and professions, and it is important we do not underestimate the undertaking for any institution to deliver that programme.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland will work closely with any applicant programme. However, our eye is firmly on the standards and making sure that any graduate of a veterinary medicine programme accredited by the council, which, effectively, is a ticket to travel internationally, reaches a certain standard. That is important for us in Ireland as food consumers and as animal owners and holders for our industries. We cannot underestimate the importance of the quality of the programme. The Veterinary Council of Ireland’s role is to make sure that the quality is as strong and high as the programmes currently on offer.