Ceist:
201 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if persons (details supplied) are eligible for employment as veterinary surgeons here; and if he will give consideration to their situation. [11432/01]
Written Answers - Eligibility for Employment.
Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1931, as amended, responsibility for entry of persons on the register of veterinary surgeons for Ireland rests with the Veterinary Council. Under this legislation, the council may only enter on the register persons who are citizens of, and hold an appropriate qualification from, an EU member state or from certain countries within the European Economic Area. It is my intention to seek Government approval in the near future to bring forward draft legislation to provide for regulation generally of the veterinary profession and ancillary disciplines.