Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

Therefore, there was no need for a vet, thank goodness. Following the dioxin scare in 2008, even though that had nothing to do with vets, we became aware of the danger of contamination. Given that Irish pork was supplied to 23 countries throughout Europe and the world, one realises how intricate and complex the food chain has become and each step in the chain requires a higher professional approach with appropriate regulation. Perhaps it is time for the vets to step forward and take a more public ownership of that as they have been very much in the background and not recognised for the part they play in keeping food safe. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also has a clear role in the area and that the Irish system of official food control is regulated by the authority and by the European Commission.

The importance of food safety is recognised at a senior level but I wonder if our vets have hidden their light under a bush. As the industry becomes more complex the need for vets and good regulation - no more than we would have liked to have seen it in the banking system - is welcome. Today, with the introduction of such regulation, there will be clarity on veterinary responsibilities. Can the Minister tell me how much co-operation there has been? Is there room for greater co-operation, particularly in the area of training, between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and vets and veterinary nurses? Agriculture is such a professional sector but is there a way for both sectors to work more closely together?