Ruairí Quinn
Question:71 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food about her proposals in the newly published legislation for the veterinary profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29325/04]
View answerThursday, 18 November 2004
Questions (72)
Written answers
I presented the Veterinary Practice Bill 2004 to Seanad Éireann on 27 October 2004. The purpose of the Bill is to replace the existing outdated legislation which regulates the veterinary profession. The Bill is comprehensive and provides, in particular, for a legal definition of the practice of veterinary medicine for the first time in Irish legislation; broader membership of the Veterinary Council to reflect interests such as education, consumers and food safety and a better balance as between veterinarians and others; a wider basis on which registration can be granted and for registration of specialists in particular areas of veterinary practice; the establishment of standards for continuing professional development, compliance with which would be a prerequisite for retention on the register; a new model to deal with complaints and a broader range of proportionate sanctions: statutory recognition for nurses for the first time; the establishment and monitoring of standards of veterinary premises; and the Veterinary Council to be given certain investigative powers.
The Second Stage of the Bill was taken in the Seanad on 4 November during which Senators made a number of useful contributions. I hope the Bill will progress expeditiously through the remaining stages in the Seanad. It is my intention to bring this draft legislation before the Dáil at the earliest possible opportunity.
Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 39.