Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. This is an issue I have spoken about a number of times in the Chamber. My concern is that the responsible persons are not being recognised as the qualified people they are in the proposed changes. In regard to animal welfare, the North operates a different system than that which will operate here in respect of veterinary medicines. Farmers may go to the North and get veterinary medicines on the black market. That gives rise to questions of animal welfare. The responsible person was always the first point of contact for a farmer in an agri-merchant. Following the Bill's passing, that will change. An animal could be left too long because, as we know, there is a shortage of vets. Measures are being put in place to increase the number of vets. The proposed changes will definitely cause problems and create barriers. I have expressed concerns about this on previous occasions.

See this speech in context