Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I thank the Minister for providing clarification. A fair point was made by members of the profession that a situation could arise whereby unqualified persons could involve themselves in carrying out procedures or certain prescribed acts that would subtract from what an established professional practice has to offer. For example, a person trained by, but not possessing the same educational qualifications as, a vet who has similar access to that vet in terms of carrying out certain processes could possibly establish a business down the road and concentrate on dealing with small animals. In other words, an unqualified but competent person who has experience of carrying out procedures, etc., on such animals in a larger practice — of which said procedures might form a substantial part of its business — could establish their own concern and specialise in the areas of activity to which I refer. We have opposed section 60 to avoid this happening. Important procedures should be carried out in the context of an overall practice.