David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on making changes to the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, to allow for the recognition of the qualifications of a number of veterinary nursing students who studied at St. John's Central College, Cork in 2005 to allow for their inclusion on the provisional register of veterinary nurses as per the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 thus allowing them to continue working as veterinary nurses after 1 July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26311/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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While I am the sponsoring Minister for the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, which governs the regulation of veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses, the day to day regulation of the professions is a function of the Veterinary Council of Ireland in accordance with the principles laid down in the legislation.

For the first time veterinary nurses enjoy formal recognition in the legislation. From 1 July 2008, only veterinary nurses who are registered or provisionally registered in the "Register of Veterinary Nurses" established by the Veterinary Council may practise veterinary nursing.

The prescribing and recognition of educational qualifications in relation to veterinary nursing and the registration of veterinary nurses is a matter for the Veterinary Council and I have no function in the matter.