Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and the Bill. As regards that last point made by Senator McCarthy, I have the impression, which perhaps the Minister will deal with, that the Bill is based on substantial consultation, as it would have to be. That is not to say, however, that every particular detail is necessarily agreed. However, I got the impression from the Minister and the tenor of the Bill that it is based on much discussion with the veterinary profession during the year. I am not aware that there was much opposition to it from any quarter.

A point I would like to emphasise is the sheer importance of the veterinary profession. Farming in all its facets would not be possible without access to vets. The veterinary practice is one of its most important adjuncts. However, there is another side to the importance of the veterinary profession which was brought home to me about ten years ago or more when I was brought in by the then Taoiseach, Deputy Haughey, to meet some Libyan vets.

The question of whether the live export trade to Libya was going to be reopened appeared to hinge, at least on the face of it, on a veterinary judgment in Libya. I forget what the precise veterinary problem was at the time, but we have had a few since — BSE, foot and mouth disease and so on. The question of exports and the livelihoods of farmers hinges on veterinary advice and the view of the state of animal health in particular countries. It is probably true that sometimes exports to particular countries are cut off on flimsy grounds. I dare say a certain amount of protectionism takes place for which veterinary reasons are provided as the excuse. As we know, the 100 years war between England and France has probably been going on for many hundreds of years. It happens in this field as well as others. What is underlined is the vital importance to the livelihoods and prosperity of people across the entire agricultural industry of a veterinary profession which is soundly regulated to the highest standards. It is a point worth stressing.

I took particular note of the definition of "veterinary medicine" in the Bill which seems to be a very accurate description from my experience of the veterinary profession. There are a couple of points to make, one of which was partly alluded to by Senator McCarthy. We now have women farmers and are privileged to have a woman as Minister for Agriculture and Food. As we have heard, we will have many female veterinarians. There is no point in disguising the fact that a certain amount of prejudice continues to be encountered among farmers vis-À-vis the idea of women veterinarians. Modern equipment and utensils make false the assumption that one requires brute force to practice as a veterinarian. Indeed, the assumption that many young males possess brute strength is also false.

This is a changing aspect of the profession and cultural changes are taking place in tandem. Perhaps the Minister will give a leg up during her term of office to the women veterinarians on whom we will inevitably have to rely much more in the future to aid their wider acceptance. Among their functions will be night visits, to which another speaker referred. I cannot speak for other counties, but during the calving season in Tipperary veterinarians are out at all hours of the day and night. I appreciated Senator Coonan's observation that there are no waiting lists for animals. It is a tribute to the profession that one can obtain prompt service the vast majority of the time provided one does not abuse the facilities and goodwill of veterinarians.

Prohibited substances do not seem to be covered by the Bill. While the subject of prohibited substances has recently arisen in the context of the Olympic success of one of our competitors, it can be an issue in a wide variety of circumstances. I ask the Minister to reassure me that stringent regulations on the administration and supply of such substances under veterinary supervision is contained in other legislation. I welcome the Bill.