Agriculture Committee debates the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2021

The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 in order to make statutory provision to prohibit ownership of veterinary practices by persons, other than a veterinary practitioner, in this Bill referred to as “eligible veterinary practitioners”. The Veterinary Practice Act 2005 currently allows ownership of veterinary practices by persons, other than veterinary practitioners.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Committee and I are glad to get the opportunity to debate the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2021. This ensures that veterinary practices can only be in the ownership of licensed vets, thus preventing private corporations from having undue control of the sector. It is crucial that the Veterinary Council of Ireland be able to regulate practices and to do this, practices need to be owned by licenced veterinarians.

The Cathaoirleach added: “A clear professional path for young veterinarians is needed so that they can see the financial prospects. The influx of private corporate practices in the sector may damage it. Looking at other countries where this has happened, it’s clear that it has damaged the viability of the profession, the sector, and the welfare of animals.

The Committee looks forward to a robust debate on the Bill.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 3 on the Oireachtas website.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.