Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I welcome also the amendment to the Bill. As I am sure others have said, it is good to be in agreement and to have a Bill that gives definition to "practise a veterinary medicine". When one speaks about the Bill outside, people ask what it is about. When we think about it seriously, the professionalisation of veterinary practice is important. People do not always realise the crucial role that vets play. We often think, perhaps, of a sick cat or dog but it is in the agricultural field that one is more aware of their importance and, therefore, the Bill is welcome.

Allowing non-veterinary professionals to carry out their procedures without fear of anybody saying they should not do it is the essence of the Bill and will ensure that farmers can reduce costs and take advantage of the professionals they need to carry out the services required instead of, perhaps, saying he or she cannot afford the vet on this occasion and will wait until the next time and possibly put an animal at risk. Given current costs and investment for farmers, anything that reduces expense for them is always welcome.

I welcome particularly the extensive consultation that has taken place in the preparation of the amendment. I am aware the Minister has spoken with a wide group of people, including the farmers' bodies, the Equine Dental Association of Ireland, Veterinary Ireland, the Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, farriers and farm relief services and so on. That everybody has been part of the creation of the amendment is a good model.

The growth in the number of veterinary nurses in Ireland adds to the professionalisation of the whole area. It means we can see the difference between the responsibilities of vets and the responsibilities of the nurses and, together, they can grow the area and make the welfare of animals of utmost importance. Given that I have only had experience of paring sheep's feet, I would not qualify under the Bill and will not be rushing out to do it again. If the industry is to be regulated, the training must be appropriate and keep up with modern developments in veterinary practice. It is important that our professions grow in understanding of the various changes that are occurring.

It is good that the indemnity insurance will become mandatory for veterinary practitioners although I share the query raised by Senator Barrett as to why it does not apply to those in official practice. I am sure there is a good reason it does not apply to those in official practice. Ultimately, we will rely on growing the food industry into the future and we know Ireland's reputation for food is a good one. It is a clean, green, safe environment, by and large, and, in the main, we forget to thank the vets who have been part of that chain. The reputation we have had, that perhaps was taken for granted, will mean more to us as each year passes. I know that issue is of concern to the Minister. During the visit of the Chinese Vice President, Mr. Xi Jinping, at the weekend we saw how important it is to be able to show how healthy and safe our food production is and I trust a vet was on hand when the new heifer, Jinping, was born.