Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 2

Written Answers. - Veterinary Register.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

59 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the areas to be addressed by the draft legislation being prepared by his Department to provide for the regulation generally of the veterinary profession and ancillary disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25957/02]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

82 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is his Department's intention to amend the powers of the veterinary council to enter on the register of veterinary surgeons for Ireland only persons who are citizens of an EU member state or of certain prescribed countries within the European economic area in view of the application here of the Equal Status Act, 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25958/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 82 together.

In July 2001, I secured Government approval for my proposals to draft legislation to replace the existing legislation governing regulation of the veterinary profession. It is generally accepted that the Veterinary Surgeons Acts 1931 – 1960 are outdated and now fall short of meeting the current and prospective needs of the profession itself and the expectations of the wider community. I know that the veterinary council also shares this view. Accordingly, the Government has approved the heads of a new Veterinary Surgeons Bill, which will consolidate, update and address the perceived deficiencies of the present legislation. The Parliamentary Counsel's office has begun drafting work, which is now ongoing in association with my Department.

In broad terms, my intention is that the draft legislation, which I wish to have published and brought before the Oireachtas at the earliest possible date, will bring the regulation of the veterinary profession and ancillary activities fully up to date. This would be done by broadening the membership of the veterinary council itself and by expanding its role in the areas of education and training, standards of veterinary premises, food safety and public health. In terms of the council's regulatory functions, I would intend to provide a basis for imposition of a graduated and more comprehensive range of sanctions and in this regard seek to improve and bring greater transparency to the process by which the council would reach an appropriate determination in any case.

In relation to registration, I would intend to provide a legislative basis enabling the council, where appropriate and subject to the necessary controls, and in addition to meeting obligations arising from membership of the EU, to register appropriately qualified persons from third countries.