Ms Caroline Garvan:

I thank Deputy Healy-Rae. He may have misunderstood that remark. I never said farmers would not know how to dose their animals. Farmers are the best judges of their animals. They are with them day in, day out. In 2022, the TASAH programme I referenced showed that animals were being treated that did not need to be treated. This was shown on the basis of evidence that products were being overused.

We have said from the start that we support competition. We want to see the likes of Terence O'Shea and his colleagues remaining in business. That is why we have put in all the actions I have tried to outline. Regarding the farmer feeling under pressure to buy directly from the vet standing in front of him or her, as I said earlier, farmers can request a prescription through an email to either their own vet or a vet that works for a co-op. Farmers do not have to go in and feel that personal pressure face to face. We have addressed it in this way.