Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is proposed to provide, for the first time under the legislation, for different categories of recognition by the Veterinary Council. The council expressed a concern about specialists such that under the Bill as drafted a person once registered as a veterinary specialist could continue to enjoy such registration indefinitely, even if he or she was no longer recognised by the body which had granted the specialist qualification.

I am aware that Senator Henry has tabled a similar amendment, namely, amendment No. 81 to section 64(2). This would not be a desirable situation and, having consulted with the Attorney General, I propose this amendment to avoid any legal doubt on this point.

Accordingly, I propose to amend section 47(2)(b) by entering the words "or continue to be registered". Thus the council will be enabled to deregister as a veterinary specialist a person who is no longer recognised by the relevant body. This amendment will also cover Senator Henry's concerns.