John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I hope so. While it is good that a new and, I am sure, worthwhile course is being offered at the Athlone Institute of Technology, the Minister is not in a position to approve it. The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the only organisation which can approve a course. However, the Minister has indicated that if and when approval is granted, it is likely that she will designate HETAC as a nominating body using her powers under section 16(2). She stated same on Committee Stage. I anticipate that as soon as the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the only body with power to approve a course, approves the course in Athlone, the Minister will be in a position to consider HETAC as a nominating body.

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