Vol. 559 No. 2
112 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will report on the bringing forward by his Department of draft legislation for the purpose of seeking Government approval to provide for the regulation generally of the veterinary profession and ancillary disciplines as referenced in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 11 April 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26008/02]
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 to 1960, fall short of meeting the current and prospective needs of the profession and the expectations of the wider community. The parliamentary counsel's office has now begun drafting work on this item, and this work is 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 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 intend to provide a basis for imposition of a graduated and comprehensive range of sanctions and in this regard to improve and bring greater transparency to the process by which the council would reach an appropriate determination in any particular case.
The Bill will provide a sound foundation for the development and practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland into the future, in a manner consistent with the best interests of the profession itself and the wider community.
