Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

It seems this is the last time we will be here to discuss the Veterinary Practice Bill.

I welcome the Minister back from Russia. We were afraid the Russians would keep her there because of the excellence of her work.

I echo my colleagues' comments. The Veterinary Council, Veterinary Ireland, practising veterinarians and their associations, had concerns about this Bill. On its initial Stages we were all concerned as to how well the Minister would listen to us. Not alone did she listen but she acted too, for which we thank her. She and her Department and Ministers of State were very receptive to many good suggestions which came from all sides of the House.

During our last debate here on the Bill Senator Henry said the Minister should give us some bone. Not alone did she give us the bone but she gave us the carcase, dissected and put together again, remodelled, reshaped and rebuilt. All those who contributed to it have broadly accepted it. Everyone in the House thanks the Minister, as do all members of the profession concerned, and those who deal with them. We congratulate her, the Department officials and the Ministers of State.