Mary Henry (Independent)

I support Senator Quinn. It seems I have not made myself clear in this matter. My argument is not that this person must be a vet. On the contrary, I will be delighted if the Minister chooses a non-veterinary person 999 times out of 1,000. However, it is unfortunate to exclude a candidate simply because he or she is a vet.

In reply to Senator Dardis, my point is that section 16(1)(f) imposes no such restriction in regard to the person appointed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I do not dispute that vets must be appointed to the authority. Likewise, under section 16(1)(g), the person appointed by the Director of Consumer Affairs may also be a vet. The Minister is aware that I am always interested in consumer participation.