John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I expect that not only Athlone, but also Waterford and other such educational institutions throughout the country, including UCD, will continue to be the leaders in this area.

No specific organisation represents nurses at present. The Department did meet a veterinary nurse as part of a delegation for discussions on the Bill, although neither she nor the Department would claim that she was representing the profession as a whole. There was a discussion with a veterinary nurse, however, and many of the ideas and suggestions came from that quarter.

Section 55 allows non-vets to treat animals in emergency situations from time to time. This section also allows farmers and others to carry out various treatments to their animals, which are incidental to their usual care and management. Treatments such as hoof paring and assisting with lambing are not classified in the Bill as being reserved functions of vets or veterinary nurses.

Part 9 deals with veterinary premises and their approval. Deputy Naughten raised the issue of grant aid but we contend that it will be a matter for the owners of the premises to bear the costs of meeting standards set by the veterinary council.

The exclusion of State premises from the provisions of this Part of this Bill is appropriate. This provision has nothing to do with TB tests or other animal health legislation.

The question of powers of entry by officers of the veterinary council into veterinary and non-veterinary premises was also raised by Deputies Upton and Naughten. As I said previously, the Minister is still awaiting definitive advice on this issue from the Office of the Attorney General. However, the Minister hopes to be in a position to address the matter on Committee Stage.

This Bill has nothing to do with the prescription of veterinary medicines. That aspect is regulated under the Animal Remedies Act and regulations made thereunder. It is intended that regulations will be introduced later this year, both to amend prescribing rules and to implement the recent EU directive.

I again wish to thank Deputies for having raised various issues in the course of this debate. Their positive contributions have been helpful and I look forward to a lively debate on Committee Stage. Hopefully the Bill will be passed as quickly as possible thereafter.

I thank my senior official, Mr. Séamus Healy, an Assistant Secretary General in the Department, for keeping us all on the straight and narrow. I also thank the main Opposition spokespersons, Deputy Naughten and Deputy Upton, for their contributions on Second Stage, and my colleague from Mayo, Deputy Carty.

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