Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Mar aon leis na hurlabhraithe ó na páirtithe eile, ba mhaith liom a rá go bhfuil mo pháirtí ag tacú leis an mBille praiticiúil, ciallmhar agus tráthúil seo. Déanfaidh sé leas do na hainmhithe agus na feirmeoirí araon.

Sinn Féin agrees with the broad thrust of the Bill and will support its passage. We see it represents a sensible way forward for agriculture. While it is not a perfect Bill, we note separate animal health and welfare legislation is forthcoming which should deal with any outstanding issues. At the weekend, the Minister's counterpart in the North, Michelle O'Neill, visited Galway where she spoke of developing animal health and welfare legislation. I am sure there is much tick-tacking going on in this area, as there must be strong and close all-island co-operation in the area of animal welfare. The Fortress Ireland initiative is an example of such an all-island approach.

The primary function of the Bill is to exempt certain functions and activities from being reserved to veterinary practitioners or nurses. Given that there is a cost for the services of a veterinarian, it is sensible to allow for such functions as farriery, equine dentistry, bovine hoof trimming, microchipping of companion animals, scanning of cattle and sheep and animal physiotherapy to be carried out by people other than by a vet. The Bill also provides for regulation which is sensible and valuable to animal welfare. This is a good approach which strikes a balance between the need to be practical and allow for flexibility while keeping animal welfare in mind.

On that matter, I am glad the Irish Farmers Association has seen fit to support this legislation. I take that as a positive indication of farmers' attitudes towards it. At the same time, I note Veterinary Ireland has some concerns about section 2 and has sought further clarification along with the introduction of primary legislation to regulate the classes of persons suitable to carry out functions which are not considered to require veterinary expertise. I know the Minister will consider this, particularly in light of the forthcoming animal health and welfare Bill.

Veterinary Ireland also suggested the regulation of such persons should be carried out independently rather than by the Department. I would welcome the Minister's views on this. Veterinary Ireland's views must be considered given the significant role it plays in supporting agriculture. Proper regulation is needed due to the possibilities that otherwise the work of veterinary practitioners could be undercut and undermined. It is important it is financially viable for vets to operate as the loss of a vet to an isolated rural community can be damaging to vets and farmers. I have had experience of this in Connemara where we find it difficult to attract vets to settle down.