22 March 2005
Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 2:
In page 10, subsection (1), line 12, to delete “the putting down of the animal” and substitute “the euthanasia of the animal in a humane manner”.
I propose this amendment because of concern about a certain looseness regarding the situation whereby an unqualified person could put an animal down. It was particularly felt by my veterinary colleagues who have been in contact with me that very inhumane methods could be used. It was suggested that an animal could be attacked with a slash hook. An unqualified person could be given licence as to the manner in which an animal could be put down. My veterinary colleagues favoured the word “euthanasia” as a substitute in this instance.
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Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 5:
In page 11, subsection (1), line 5, to delete “practitioner” and substitute “surgeon”.
To the general public, the word “practitioner” can mean an individual who is involved in the practice of veterinary medicine, whereas the Bill will cover far more than those individuals treating animals on the ground. For example, it will cover academics and those involved in the food industry. The age old name of “veterinary surgeon” is a better choice than “veterinary practitioner”.
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Dr. Henry: While I will withdraw the amendment, I may table it on Report Stage as I am unsure of the UK legislation. Since the Good Friday Agreement, we have been urged to ensure terminology is in line with that in the UK. However, I am unsure if the term used is “veterinary surgeon”.
Mary Coughlan: The UK is reviewing its legislation.
Dr. Henry: That is fortunate for the Minister
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Dr. Henry: Section 4(2)(a) states “the Veterinary Surgeons (Annual Fees) Order 1997 (S.I. No. 131 of 1997) shall continue in force and may be amended or revoked as if made under section 34”. It is interesting that the term “veterinary surgeons” comes up in this part of the Bill. Does this allow the Veterinary Council of Ireland to set fees without a ministerial order?
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Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 6:
In page 15, subsection (1)(c), line 42, to delete “who is not eligible to be so registered, but”.
A mode of thinking exists that the professions cannot be relied on to regulate themselves. However, it is somewhat harsh to rule a vet out of Veterinary Council membership if he or she is already heavily involved in an animal welfare organisation. If the head of the donkey sanctuary is also a vet, will the option of council membership remain for him or her, if suitable for the post? I do not see why vets should be ruled out. I find they are very helpful respectable people who, unlike some doctors, do not feature on the latest list of tax defaulters. I cannot understand the logic behind this provision.
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Dr. Henry: The purpose of my amendment was not to increase the critical mass of vets. I am grateful that the Minister has tabled her own amendment to do so. As Senator Quinn said, this person will be appointed by the Minister. While some excellent people without veterinary qualifications work in the animal welfare area, if the best person for the position was a registered veterinary practitioner he or she could not be chosen by the Minister. The Minister is not required to accept a person proposed by another body but has the power of appointment. My amendment would give the Minister the possibility of appointing a registered veterinary practitioner. As the Bill stands this could not be done. I am not attempting to increase the critical mass of vets, which has been increased from seven to nine by the Minister’s amendment — I had only proposed ten to allow for negotiation.
It would be a mistake not to accept my amendment. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is allowed to nominate and could decide to nominate a vet. The Director of Consumer Affairs could nominate a vet. However, as Senator Quinn said, if the best animal welfare person happens to be a vet, the Minister cannot appoint him or her.
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Dr. Henry: I support Senator Quinn. It seems I have not made myself clear in this matter. My argument is not that this person must be a vet. On the contrary, I will be delighted if the Minister chooses a non-veterinary person 999 times out of 1,000. However, it is unfortunate to exclude a candidate simply because he or she is a vet.
In reply to Senator Dardis, my point is that section 16(1)(f) imposes no such restriction in regard to the person appointed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I do not dispute that vets must be appointed to the authority. Likewise, under section 16(1)(g), the person appointed by the Director of Consumer Affairs may also be a vet. The Minister is aware that I am always interested in consumer participation.
Mr. Dardis: What about patient participation?
Dr. Henry: There are certainly some clever dogs around.
This provision ties the hands of future Ministers in that the excellent candidate who is involved in running the donkey sanctuary, for example, cannot be appointed to the council if he or she is a vet.
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Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 7:
In page 16, lines 1 to 3, to delete paragraph (d).
This is an extraordinary amendment for a university Senator to table. Section 16(1)(e) provides for the appointment of two academics to the council. I am concerned that subsection (d) additionally provides for the appointment of a person who must be engaged in the provision of higher education. Veterinary medicine requires some academic input and is a very professional business. However, notwithstanding the increase in council membership to 19, the inclusion of three academics seems excessive. Some engaged in veterinary practice are concerned that academia should have such a strong influence. Furthermore, the person appointed under this subsection could be a vet which would mean that three members of the veterinary school could be on the council.
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Dr. Henry: Between now and Report Stage, I may lobby to change the amendment to state that the nominee must come from Trinity College, the veterinary school of which was taken from it virtually by force 25 years ago.
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