I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
This matter regards a collaborative research project being organised by Teagasc Moorepark and UCD to examine the potential role of In Vitro Embryo Production in bovines. The ultimate objective is to improve the efficiency of dairy and beef production in Ireland.
I understand the number of veterinarians that arrived in Ireland to work on this research project does not represent the original intended full cohort of veterinarians from abroad. The specialist company involved in the research had originally intended to bring in two veterinarians from South America, both highly experienced in performing procedures around harvesting oocytes (‘eggs’) from live donor female cattle and embryo transfers. One of the two veterinarians who came to Ireland, the other was unable to travel.
All experimental procedures were approved by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which is the competent authority in Ireland responsible for the implementation of European Union legislation (Directive 2010/63/EU) for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (Scientific Animal Protection ). The veterinarian currently in Ireland was authorised to work on the research project by HPRA.
The embryo transfer work that the second Veterinarian was scheduled to undertake is now being carried out by individuals approved to carry out such duties on a commercial basis here in Ireland.
Regarding the veterinarian currently in Ireland , his travel was subject to Department of Justice working visa requirements and Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines.