Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for tabling the amendment which I regard as sensible and practical and which would be welcomed in farming circles.

I note the contents of the Department's regulatory impact assessment which accompanies the legislation. Moreover, in his Second Stage speech in this Chamber some weeks ago the Minister mentioned that procedures such as the scanning of cattle and sheep, bovine hoof-trimming, physiotherapy, equine dentistry and microchipping of dogs and pets could be excluded from the necessity of being performed by a registered vet. The difficulty with using a registered vet is that such services can be expensive, particularly when one takes into account that these procedures are minor in comparison with other more complicated and emergency-type procedures that may be required on farms or in the case of pets or companion animals. I support Senator Sean Barrett's sensible amendment.

I understand the approach taken by the Minister under the legislation is that he will regulate following consultation with the industry. In the amendment Senator Sean Barrett proposes to define this set of procedures within the legislation. I await with interest the Minister's comments in this regard. Other procedures he might consider include the dehorning of cattle, as well as the scanning of sheep, physiotherapy and TB inoculations which are listed in Senator Sean Barrett's amendment. I also seek his views on whether TB testing services could be exempted from needing the assistance of a veterinary practice. He also could give consideration to exempting other minor routine procedures such as the castration of young cattle.

On the other hand, many people close to the agricultural field may be aware of old cures. For example, I have encountered people in the north west with a cure for orf in sheep. While one might call it a prayer-type cure, it is for the treatment of orf in sheep and I have seen at first-hand on our farm how it actually works. Moreover, the veterinary treatment for orf in sheep did not work. I personally have been involved in bringing sheep to someone who has been able to provide a cure and it has actually worked. One should ensure enough space is given to farmers in this regard in order that no offence will be built in if they-----