John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

It is unusual. I spoke to Elaine Farrell, executive secretary, who said the organisation is more than happy with the Bill and had no issues it wanted raised. That is a first from a major farming organisation.

Yesterday's Irish Examiner carried a report on how the Animal and Plant Health Association conference was told preventive medicine used on farms increased by 25% over the past 12 months and by 64% in the past five years. This highlights the importance farmers are putting on prevention when it comes to animal health. While this is to be welcomed, is this a good development in the long term? Farmers also tell me about the high costs of veterinarian services and preventive medicine used on farms.

I welcome the Bill and Fianna Fáil will work with the Minister to ensure it has a speedy passage through the House.

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