Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I mentioned the issuing of licences for drugs, in respect of which enormous costs are involved in terms of manpower and expertise. However, the issue of co-operation as between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom needs to be addressed. For example, some drugs are designed for occasional use only. This might mean that while a veterinarian in Newry could use a medicine, his or her counterpart in Dundalk could not because it has not gone through the same process. Significant expertise and resources have been used in the United Kingdom. This has been the criterion employed here for years in shaping and developing the profession. It should also be the model through which we measure uniformity and develop a direct link between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in the licensing of such drugs. It is a lengthy process that requires significant inputs. I am not suggesting that if something is good enough for the United Kingdom, it should be good enough for here. However, in practical terms, we should be able to apply the same standards. To a lesser degree, the broader principle applies to the issuing of the MRCVS.

One of the many provisions that I welcome in the Bill is the one that veterinary nurses are to be recognised for the first time. I appreciate there is now a three-year diploma course available in UCD. Vets are no different from GPs. They also need the assistance of professional nurses who bring a unique set of skills to the profession. Current working conditions might not be appreciated but there is a good level of remuneration. I hope this augurs well for the conditions of employment of veterinary nurses and the level of remuneration they will enjoy when they qualify and join practices. I hope veterinary nursing skills will be looked at in the same light as those of general health nurses.

I welcome the intention to broaden the membership of the VCI. I again stress that it is important no one is precluded because of his or her participation, chiefly, in the local authorities. It is appropriate that this matter is being raised in the House because local authorities represent the electoral college that elected some us to the Seanad.