Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There is also complementary work, such as grooming, for which a veterinary nurse would be allowed to register. Under the amendment, he or she would not be able to do certain things unless under direction. I do not wish to prevent veterinary nurses from registering although I appreciate from where the Senator is coming in that people cannot simply stick up signs and claim they are registered. However, the question of with whom they are registered is another issue. For this reason it is important that the council does its work to ensure people are aware of what will be within the remit of the legislation.

There are some veterinary nurses who are registered and carry out specific types of practices. They work with veterinary practitioners and, on this basis, Senator Quinn's amendment would discommode them from a practical point of view. It would also disallow them from a type of practice that is holistically complementary.