Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is correct. I have a set of figures, I think for 2022 but it may be for 2021, which show that just 30% of newly registered vets in Ireland pursued their studies in Ireland and that 70% came from elsewhere. Frankly, we need to flip that on its head. We could and should become a world leader in veterinary practice considering the excellent family farm model for which we are renowned and, for that matter, the great effort put in across the agrifood sector, which holds a dominant place within the Irish economy and society. Nobody is questioning any of the membership of the expert panel. I am asking for clarification on whether the expert panel has sought interaction from international accreditation experts because what we want to do is make sure people qualify in Ireland as vets and that accreditation is recognised as far and wide as possible.

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