Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister. He was in my county at the weekend doing very important business. It was an extremely successful visit, in particular from the point of view of agriculture. We will see the rewards from the visit in the future. I commend the Minister on it.

The legislation is non-contentious and is supported by all sides of the House. It is a question of common sense prevailing. We are fortunate in this country that previous Governments, which includes Senator Mooney's party, invested in the education of young farmers. We now have a new generation of farmers who are exceptionally competent. They know medicines inside out. They know all about antibiotics and the care and treatment of animals. The Bill ensures that they can continue to provide the necessary care for their animals and that we will not face restrictions in that regard in future.

Regulation is important in all walks of life and constant reform is essential. We have seen proposals from the Minister for Justice and Equality that are not as universally acceptable as the proposals before us, but at least he is bringing forward legislation that will foster debate and discussion. The person who will win at the end of the day is the consumer. That is the objective of all of us, and that is the case with the legislation with which we are currently dealing because it will ensure that there is proper competition. Senator Bradford and others referred to veterinary nurses. These matters are important in terms of keeping costs down and ensuring that the unit costs for farmers availing of services is kept at a reasonable level. If this is done, the farmer will never hesitate to contact a veterinary surgeon when an intervention is required to ensure an animal's welfare is protected. I take on board the point made by my colleague, Senator Ó Clochartaigh, regarding availability. It is a difficulty I have experienced. Although I am not from a farming background, I have acquired a great deal of knowledge from neighbours and friends. Sometimes, access can be a problem. A farmer should never hesitate to retain a necessary service, particularly from a financial point of view.

When farmers and the people around them are competent in, for example, dosing cattle and other animals, the Bill will allow them to do so. Since they will have the training, they will not require the services of veterinary surgeons unless necessary.

In recent years, particularly the past year and a half or so, there have been significant advances in agriculture and it has become a career about which young people will be excited and in which they will engage. They can see a livelihood in it for themselves. There have been improvements in methodologies and ways of doing business. Farming has been professionalised in the past decade.

I look forward to the animal welfare Bill, which is necessary. While the Bill before us is important, it is just a baby step. The Minister's stewardship will ensure the welfare of animals and the farming profession. He will also ensure that the potential of our exports will be realised and that significant new jobs will be created in farming and farming-related industries.