Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies opposite for helping to facilitate the passage of this Bill. The Bill is not particularly controversial. We have tried to take on board some of the comments and observations of the sector, namely the Veterinary Council of Ireland and a number of farming organisations. This is not contentious; it is about taking a pragmatic approach to ensuring farmers and owners of animals can do certain tasks without having to have veterinary supervision or meet the cost of bringing in a veterinarian to do those tasks. The tasks include farrier activity, the microchipping of companion animals, which are predominantly pets, the scanning of cattle and sheep and bovine hoof trimming. These jobs are traditionally done by farmers and, in some cases, others working in the animal husbandry business.

There are jobs that need to be done by qualified practitioners and others that do not necessitate the presence of a veterinarian. We are trying to make that distinction so we will not have legal challenges seeking clarification. That is the main thrust of the Bill.

Other aspects of the Bill cover the recognition of veterinary nurses, for example, and the improvement of standards and enforcement capability and codes of conduct within veterinary practice to ensure that we raise standards to the desired level. I am happy to support the Bill and I thank the Deputies for their co-operation. I look forward to taking the Bill to the Seanad so it can be made law as soon as possible.

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