John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I support the Minister in this matter. It is not analogous to compare this provision with those relating to, for example, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Bord Bia or Teagasc. In the case of those bodies, it is a reasonable requirement that board members should be veterinary practitioners. In this case, however, we are regulating the profession and it is not sensible to build in a majority of the profession on the board charged with its regulation.

This is not to say that members of the profession should not have a role. However, it is wrong that the profession should dominate the council to the extent that other legitimate interests would be disadvantaged. The Bill's provisions represent a reasonable balance in this regard. This situation is not the same as that in regard to bodies such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, where there is a genuine requirement that vets should be involved.