Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the recommendations contained in the report of the Competition Authority on veterinary practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25549/08]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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The report on veterinary practitioners by the Competition Authority was published on 19 June. While the report found that legislation introduced by my Department in 2005 had gone a long way towards modernising the profession, it concluded that some reforms were still needed for consumers to benefit from competition. It has identified the following restrictions which it believes need to be addressed: veterinary practitioners are prevented from competing through normal methods of competition such as advertising and offering discounts; vets are severely restricted in how they advertise and promote their business, which denies consumers access to basic information on the availability, terms and prices of veterinary services in their area; vets are unable to promote awareness of their practices and services which discourages them from innovating; a lack of transparency in prices reduces competitive pressure on vets, which can push up the price of veterinary services; and new vets are hindered from competing with established vets.

The report makes five recommendations designed to address these restrictions and encourage vets to be more innovative in the delivery of services and ensure an adequate supply of veterinary services in the long term and value for money in veterinary services. The recommendations are directed to my Department and the Veterinary Council of Ireland. They are that the Department should monitor the number of vets providing food animal services, consider the introduction of lay testers for bovine tuberculosis and bring forward legislation amending the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 to allow incorporated veterinary practices. In addition, the Veterinary Council of Ireland should remove unnecessary restrictions on advertising and its prohibition on touting.

The Department will examine these recommendations in consultation with the Veterinary Council of Ireland and relevant interests. However, it is favourably disposed towards the further promotion of competition in the veterinary profession, thereby building on the measures it has introduced in recent years, particularly in the animal remedies area.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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One often wonders whether members of the Competition Authority live in the real world. Many isolated rural communities are fortunate if one veterinarian decides to locate in the area. While it is fine to speak about improving the veterinary service, does the Department really believe some of the theoretical propositions made by the Competition Authority have any application in rural areas? Do those who produce reports such as this have any contact with reality?

As in the case of general practitioners, persuading a veterinary practitioner to move to an area to serve its farming community often presents a challenge. Has the Minister of State considered the possibility that the points system at college level is the major factor in curtailing the number of veterinary practitioners? The supply of vets is the limiting factor because one cannot promote competition without adequate numbers of veterinary practitioners.

We all want value for money. From my experience of dealing with many veterinary practices during the years, I have found they give value for money and an excellent service.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Is the Department considering legislative changes arising from the report of the Competition Authority? To expand on Deputy Penrose's point, a significant number of veterinary practitioners have moved from large to small animal practices. This ongoing shift is evident in rural areas. I understand the Department has an obligation to monitor developments under existing legislation. Are trends emerging in this area which would give cause for concern?

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Given that the report was received as recently as 19 June, the Department needs time to study it in greater detail. Nevertheless, nothing has been ruled out. The lack of availability of veterinary practitioners, a point raised by Deputy Penrose, is one of the reasons the Competition Authority has called for advertising rules to be released so as to ensure greater innovation and competition. Serious consideration should also be given to introducing lay testing for tuberculosis but I do not propose to rush to judgment on this recommendation. We are aware that a degree of lay testing takes place in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. We have an opportunity to act on recommendations but it is much too early to give definitive commitments. Nothing has been ruled out at this point.