Ms Niamh Muldoon:

I cannot disagree with that anecdotal assumption. I can say that we are doing a piece of work at the moment. We have more information than we have ever had about the people and practices on our registers, and the areas in which they practice. We are currently in the process of compiling a report to look at this, and would be happy to share that report once it is finalised. It will be the first time we have had a clear snapshot of the age profiles, and whether or not people are in full-time or part-time employment, and in companion animal, mixed, equine or large animal practice. We have collated lots of information, which now just has to be analysed and put into a report. We would be happy to share that with the committee, whenever it is finalised by the council. I hope it will not be too long.