Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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732. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a regulatory vacuum has been allowed to exist in the context of the decision by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, made in January 2018, to deregulate on a unilateral basis the ownership of veterinary practices here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30522/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 is a matter for the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI).

My Department has communicated with the VCI in relation to the ownership of veterinary practices. The VCI have indicated that they intend to clarify the position following consultation with stakeholders.