Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cahill for bringing forward the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2021. I recognise the tremendous commitment he has made and his investigation into, and assessment of, this issue as a member of the previous agricultural committee. I also recognise the work he has done in drafting this Bill and bringing it forward on Second Stage so that it can proceed to Committee Stage. I thank everyone who has made a contribution on the Bill.

As the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, outlined earlier, the relationship between farmer and vet is truly unique. The vet exists because of the farmer and the farmer exists because of the assistance of the vet. There are few relationships like it. A farmer can make a phone call and the vet is likely to be in the yard within 15 or 20 minutes. It is that speed, that skill and that relationship that ensures that a calf or lamb lives or dies. I think I speak on behalf of everyone here tonight when I say that this is the key priority for all of us. We must protect and maintain the world-class service our vets provide to the farmers across Ireland for both large and small animals.

Confidence in the ethical provision of veterinary services has never been more important than in today’s modern society. Our expectations of how animals are cared for has never been higher. Veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses are central in supporting farmers and the animal-owning public in caring for their animals to the highest standards. When representing Ireland internationally and in trade discussions with prospective partners, I can always speak with pride of the robust food safety and authenticity systems we have in place. These are underpinned by veterinary certification procedures that allow Irish food to be marketed as a premium product around the world while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of people in every part of Ireland.

I am encouraged to note from the VCI that we have never had more vets registered to practice in this jurisdiction than is the case at present. As of March this year, there were 3,061 vets registered with the VCI. Over 66% of those were associated with 769 private practices providing services to the public. The data suggests Ireland is in a good position in terms of the availability of veterinary expertise in serving the public, which should promote healthy competition.

A concern raised in respect of the Bill relates to the perception that ownership of veterinary practices by non-veterinary practitioners could lead to a loss of competition and, therefore, result in higher prices or a drop-off in services provided. That is not something anyone here or in the farming community wants or needs to see. The Minister of State referred to the fact that the Companies Registration Office identifies a significant number of veterinary practices that are now incorporated. It is fair to surmise that many of these practices are owned by non-veterinary practitioners. The VCI is the State’s independent statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing within Ireland in the public interest. In order to offer veterinary services from a practice, it must first have attained a certificate of suitability, COS, granted by the VCI. The COS can only be granted in the name of a registered person, that is, a veterinary practitioner or a veterinary nurse. Part of the VCI’s conditionality in approving a COS application is that the practice must commit to providing 24-7 emergency service to their clients in compliance with the code of professional conduct. This requirement is incumbent on all veterinary practices regardless of ownership. Department officials work closely with the VCI on policy issues and are open to considering additional measures which can further boost the existing regulatory framework for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland. Separately, I note Deputy Cahill’s concerns in respect of the provision of large-animal veterinary services in rural Ireland in support of our farmers.

As I said at the outset, any farmer in Ireland will tell of the value of their vet and their services which can be called upon often in challenging circumstances in the middle of the night. Farmers often remark , as Deputy Fitzmaurice mentioned, that it is sometimes easier to get a vet than a doctor at difficult times. The adequate provision of large-animal veterinary services is something my officials and I will continually assess and it is something to which I am deeply committed.

Thankfully, analysis to date indicates that rural Ireland is well served with veterinary services which are critical in supporting animal health and welfare. We must ensure that this network is protected into the future, through whatever means necessary, so that this generation of farmers as well as the next can be safe in the knowledge the vet will be on the other end of the phone at 3 a.m. when they are needed in the farmyard.

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I thank Deputy Cahill for his work in bringing it forward. I look forward to seeing it progress to Committee Stage when the various issues it raises will be further examined and teased out. I also look forward to Deputy Cahill's closing remarks.

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