Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Without prejudicing processes or next steps in any way, it is interesting and encouraging that, on a regional basis, such strong ideas came forward. I mention not just strong ideas or hopes, because everyone is ambitious for their area, but when these bids were analysed by independent experts on an assessment panel that included, for example, the chief veterinary officer, they were deemed to be viable proposals for further consideration. The SETU proposed that veterinary would be provided through a three-partner model with Teagasc through the Kildalton Agricultural College and a distributive small animal clinical network as well. The factual position is that the higher education system has stepped up. It has told the Government and Oireachtas what more it is possible to do in key areas where we know we need more people and need to train more people to better deliver the services in agriculture regarding veterinary and in healthcare regarding pharmacy. Now the Government, in the round, will need to decide how it wishes to address this through the NDP review.

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