Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree that this provision is severely restrictive. There is nothing to say that a chairperson of the donkey sanctuary who is not a veterinary practitioner would be discommoded in this matter. We are not against veterinary practitioners being on the veterinary council. However, this provision adds to the wealth of the council by stipulating that one member should come from a different perspective. We should not have a situation where a Minister could suddenly decide that four vets should be nominated. In order to prevent this, we have provided for a specific group of nominees who are not veterinary practitioners.

I do not understand Members' difficulties in this regard. If the situation were turned around, there would be objections to the effect that these people reflect a certain sector of society and that those not at professional level have a contribution to make to the council and should not be excluded. One can make either argument. However, I contend that the richness of any council is not dependent on the participation of the professions. Joe Soap is just as entitled to be a member of the council as anybody else. I am allowing that opportunity so as to ensure we do not fall into the trap of simply having another veterinary practitioner.