Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I am glad to have an opportunity to comment on the Bill. I was at the CPP meeting and missed the Minister's speech but I have read his script. For once the explanation note on the back of the Bill is accurate when it states it is an Act to enable persons other than veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses to carry out certain procedures. That is what the Bill must be about and I welcome the Minister's strong statement in that regard.

Irish agriculture and farming families have had a strong and positive relationship with their veterinary surgeons down the years. I am sure that many of us watched the old television series, "A Country Practice", and while not based in Ireland it set the tone for how Irish people thought of their vet. There was, and is, a very strong link, not just a professional one. In many cases a friendship exists between the vet and farmer. On many occasions we have discussed the state of the health service in both Houses and we sometimes reflect that it is impossible to contact a doctor to tend to a sick child, adult or elderly person whereas a vet never says "No". The vet has a positive link with his or her client by which the agricultural industry and economy has benefitted enormously. We must ensure that link continues.

The Minister has said on many occasions that we need to ensure competitiveness is at the core of the new Irish agricultural sector. Part of that is keeping costs to a minimum and the Bill strikes the right balance between on the one hand, what a vet must do, being prescriptive and regulated, and on the other hand, what veterinary nurses, farmers or agricultural practitioners can do. The legislation also allows for proper exemptions. The Minister said the Bill ensures that only high end functions are reserved for veterinary practitioners and that is appropriate. In Ireland most farmers are well trained, not just by farming but by holding a green certificate and studying courses in agriculture, AI and so on, many of which are college based. They can carry out most of the duties that were once reserved for veterinarians and in the process save themselves money. Everybody benefits.

I am interested in what the legislation provides for in respect of veterinary nurses. The Minister stated that approximately 500 veterinary nurses are now qualified and that there are five colleges or places of education that facilitate such training. It is a fascinating career for many people and one that has great potential. Perhaps it is not well advertised. I was struck by the Minister's statistic that five colleges provide training because I was unaware they existed.

As we continue to develop agriculture, animal husbandry and animal welfare, there will be many more opportunities for veterinary nurses and, accordingly, it should be advertised more as a career for school leavers. The veterinary business is no longer just about the cow, the bullock or the horse. Small animal clinics have grown across the country and people are taking care of dogs and cats to a level which was not the case heretofore, which should be welcomed and encouraged. There are also many exotic pets in the country, sometimes causing difficulties. When there is such investment in smaller animals, veterinary practitioners and nurses have a major role to play in their welfare.

The Minister described section 2 with its exemptions as the kernel of the Bill. Again, it is a question of common sense legislation and getting the balance right. I welcome this legislation as it will strengthen the role of the veterinary surgeon and nurse and their link with agriculture. It will allow farmers and other animal owners to carry out necessary interventions where practical and possible and in an economical fashion. I look forward to the enactment of the Bill as it can only do good.