Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I also welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. It is nice to contribute to a debate on a Bill that has cross-party support, as well as the support of the IFA. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the establishment in France of the practice of veterinary medicine. For over 100 years, Ireland has been producing high quality veterinary practitioners and other professionals who work in that sector.

The veterinary industry is rarely discussed in the country at large because of the exemplary fashion in which the sector conducts itself. We should congratulate the many people who work in what is an important part of our economy. Farm animals provide the vital link in the farm-to-fork concept, in addition to giving the economy huge potential for the production and export of food along with the ancillary employment involved. The veterinary industry in all its forms provides much of the regulation, checking and security consumers have when sitting down to eat Irish food produce. For that, the industry is to be commended.

The Bill effectively concerns deregulation so that certain functions and activities that may hitherto have been seen as reserved for the veterinary profession will now be open to others. That is in tune with the programme for Government which seeks to cut business costs generally and strengthen competition in sheltered sectors. This concerns not just the agricultural industry, but all businesses. As agriculture has been modernised and developed, the gap between regular mainstream business and farming has narrowed. In both cases in recent years we have seen an onerous increase in the number of groups and bodies involved in farm regulation. This Bill has come before the House quickly and I hope it represents just one step in the move towards reducing regulation in farming and in business generally.

We must identify how we can broadly unleash the potential of high-growth sectors in the economy. Much reference has been made to the fact that our agricultural and food production sector is currently one of the economy's shining lights. We must also develop such potential through our third level facilities by educating foreign students here. Ireland is renowned for its production of sporting animals and those bred for consumption. Some years ago, the National Consumer Authority produced a study showing that Ireland is still a significant net importer of vets and other professionals in this industry. Given that we have such strong institutions and a strong culture of engaging in all forms of livestock production, we could find ourselves exporting such talent in this area over the next ten to 15 years. This would provide revenue for institutions and get added value from an area where currently the reverse is occurring.

The Bill is straightforward legislation which I welcome. I compliment the Minister and Minister of State on bringing it before the House. We must continue the journey towards deregulating farming and other industries.

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