Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this important topic. This is about the placement of a veterinary school at the University of Limerick, UL. This will not only benefit Limerick, it will also benefit the region. I am aware that the Minister and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, have met representatives from UL, along with other contenders for this school. In 2022 the national health strategy highlighted the role played by farm animal vets in animal welfare and health. In UCD, there are 82 people currently studying veterinary science at undergraduate level and another 50 at postgraduate level. I have availed of their small animal hospital on two occasions. It has been a very successful hospital and a training ground for many students. Last year there were 581 applicants for 82 places. As a result, many people have to travel abroad to study. For balanced regional development and student retention, the University of Limerick is best placed to implement the next veterinary training school and hospital. I note University of Limerick has come up with a hybrid model.They have been working with veterinary practices, not just in Limerick but throughout the region, and have the support of a large number of them. The veterinary practices have come together and formed a veterinary working group. They are proactive when it comes to giving student placements in order that they can gain experience.

Another matter has been highlighted in the region. A number of large animal veterinary practitioners are retiring, and there are not enough people coming along behind to replace them. We are all really concerned about animal welfare, so what is proposed would give rise to good and balanced development from a regional point of view. We have the agrifood sector in the mid-west. We have dairy producers we have the Golden Vale. The mid-west would an appropriate place to locate the new veterinary college. The University of Limerick currently offers courses in human sciences, equine sciences, dairy production and biomedical. It has a good mix. If veterinary practice were added, the various courses would complement each other well.

My call is for the Minister to consider the University of Limerick as the site to locate the new veterinary school. The authorities at the university have put a lot of work into their application. I would like to hear an update on the matter from him.