Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Is the Minister satisfied that the mutual recognition policy will not raise any concerns about the quality of those who wish to come to the country? I am not referring to those who may wish to come on a short-term basis but those who may wish to relocate here to work. I recall a case in the medical profession of an applicant applying for a job in an Irish hospital. The person came from Romania and it transpired that he or she was not up to speed. The person conveyed that he or she had achieved certain academic qualifications which had not been checked by the hospital in question.

As the Minister correctly said, the focus of the work of vets in general is to ensure we have safe food. It is an issue to which he referred in his presentation. It is not directly connected to this Bill, as an amendment to the primary Bill, but it is important he put that on the record. Ireland's image, as the Minister articulated so well on many occasions, as a clean food producing economy is vital to our national recovery and was particularly highlighted with the visit of the Chinese Vice President at the weekend. The Minister was involved in the visit and I compliment him on it.

He will also be very proactive in ensuring potential jobs and markets are opened up for many of our agricultural products. It is important to note that while the amendment will ensure restrictive or exclusive practices pertaining to registered vets will now be extended to those who are non-vets. Ultimately, the Minister is ensuring that Ireland's clean image as a food producing nation will not be compromised in any way by the Bill.

I refer to a measure included in the Bill which concerns costs. I am sure other contributors will mention it. The president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Mr. Gabriel Gilmartin, stated:

All avenues and must be explored to reduce running costs and veterinary bills are near the top of farmers' expenses. We would also encourage the minister to look at reviewing the cost of medicines in Ireland. Our animal medicines are hugely expensive when compared to our nearest neighbours in the North and the UK.

As the Minister will know, this is not confined to veterinary but extends across a range of medical disciplines. The issue has been discussed in this House and has been raised quite regularly. The Minister might wish to address that. I compliment him on introducing this legislation. He will certainly have no opposition on this side of the House. We welcome the legislation and support fully the Minister's effort to ensure the agrifood business and the associated veterinary practices are in keeping with promoting the very best of Ireland.