Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 - 2015 "From Vision to Delivery" - Mid-Term Review June 2013
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Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan
2010 – 2015
“From Vision to Delivery”
Mid-Term Review
June 2013
1Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
June 2013
Dear Member
In July 2010, Veterinary Ireland published “From Vision to Delivery, a Strategic Plan for 2010-2015”.
Well received by the Veterinary Ireland membership, succinct in its presentation in a seven-page booklet, the Strategic
Plan is broad and challenging by virtue of the challenges to be faced by Veterinary Ireland, and the Irish veterinary
profession as a whole, over the five years of its duration.
While not an end in itself, Veterinary Ireland’s Strategic Plan 2010-2015 provides a roadmap for realising a five-year
growth strategy for Veterinary Ireland _ growing membership, resources, internal and external profile, influence,
effectiveness, services and Veterinary Ireland’s overall strength on behalf of the Irish veterinary profession. It provides
a focus and context for Veterinary Ireland and its members through a number of Key Objectives, aiming to build on the
Organisation’s strengths, increase its influence, position it as a major stakeholder in training and CVE, and to provide a
participatory environment for current and future members.
Action Plans to specifically meet the Key Objectives have been devised at the beginning of each successive year. The
implementation of those Action Plans, and their context within the overall Strategic Plan, has been monitored internally
and reviewed on a biannual basis.
This has allowed the Executive, the Board of Directors and the National Council, to assess and measure Key Strategic
and Tactical objectives, and to implement adjustments to the Action Plans, while staying true to the Strategic Vision
encompassed within the Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010-2015.
With the latest of those reviews having taken place, and with the plan now over halfway through its duration, it is an
opportune time to update Veterinary Ireland members on progress made to date, to highlight the activities, growth,
successes and achievements of the past two-and-a-half years, and to give an indication as to future work towards the
achievement of the Key Objectives of the Strategic Plan.
The following is, therefore, a snapshot of where we are now with the Strategic Plan, what we have achieved, and what
else we need to achieve between now and 2015.
I echo my last paragraph in my message to you in the Strategic Plan booklet in July 2010 _ I hope that you will take
time to study this Strategic Plan Review, and continue to work towards its overall realisation, through your involved
participation in Veterinary Ireland and its various activities.
Yours sincerely
Finbarr Murphy
Chief Executive
3Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
INTRODUCTION
Veterinary Ireland is a dynamic organisation, which recognises that change is a constant imperative for all successful
organisations.
As the only organisation to represent the entire spectrum of veterinary practitioners, Veterinary Ireland remains the only
forum within which the veterinary profession can speak with one voice. This strength through unity gives us the ability to exert
influence in the key areas outlined in this Strategic Plan.
Veterinary Ireland Mission Statement
The role of Veterinary Ireland is to represent veterinary surgeons in Ireland and to facilitate the veterinary profession
in its commitment to improving the health and welfare of the animals under its care, to protecting public health and to
serving the changing needs of its clients and the community through effective and innovative leadership.
Our vision of Veterinary Ireland is of an organisation that is a proactive shaper of public policy in the area of animal health and
welfare and related public health, one that understands and meets members’ current and future needs, and one that creates
and gathers the funding to grow and deliver its objectives.
This vision demands that Veterinary Ireland engage with policy makers and stakeholders in order to promote the health and
welfare of animals and protect public health. We have a responsibility to advocate and lobby on animal health and welfare
issues. This often necessitates the building of strategic alliances with other organisations in order to maximise leverage in
realising our objectives.
It was with this vision in mind that a focus group was constituted in early 2010 to review the strategic direction of Veterinary
Ireland. Arising out of the ‘brain storming’ session conducted by this focus group, the Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010-
2015 was formulated, compiled and disseminated in published format to the Veterinary Ireland membership, with a request
to review and actively participate in its realisation through membership of Veterinary Ireland.
The main tenet of the Strategic Plan was that Veterinary Ireland was resolved to pursue a growth strategy on behalf of
its members – to grow our membership, our resources, our profile, our influence, our effectiveness, our services and our
strength on behalf of the profession.
The conclusion of the original Strategic Plan document outlined outcomes under four headings.
• Build on our strengths as a trade union and trade association and our unique position as the voice of all
elements of the profession.
• Increase our role as a major force in influencing the development of animal health and welfare policy and related
public health policy – an area that will impact on our members’ working lives in the future.
• Position Veterinary Ireland as a major provider of the Continuing Veterinary Education and Professional
Development needs of our members.
• Develop approaches that will enable more members to participate fully in the activities of Veterinary Ireland, to
contribute to our development and, in turn, to attract more members.
The original document noted that the Strategic Plan would be reviewed on an annual basis to monitor, audit and adjust its
aims, objectives and actions. These annual reviews have been undertaken, but in order to ensure the realisation of objectives
and to inform members of progress to-date a major Mid-Term Review was commissioned in late 2012, taking these four main
outcomes as key indicators in the achievement of our aims and objectives.
This document is a culmination of that Mid-Term Review, and is presented to Veterinary Ireland members for their information,
with a request to maintain its ultimate realisation through active participation in all aspects of Veterinary Ireland’s work.
4Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
STRATEGIC PLAN – KEY OBJECTIVES
Veterinary Ireland identified a number of Key Objectives in the Strategic Plan in order to move forward in the next
phase of development. The Key Objectives were designed to build on our existing strengths as an organisation while
simultaneously addressing new opportunities.
This Review examines each of the Key Objectives in turn, describing what has been achieved so far, and what additional
plans are in place to meet those objectives.
1. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS REPRESENTATION
1.1 Veterinary Ireland will provide strong and effective industrial relations representation – as a registered trade union
and professional representative body we will concentrate our resources in representing the interests of members
with Government, statutory bodies and third-party providers – ensuring strong and effective representation for
veterinary practitioners and building on our track record of delivery on behalf of the profession.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland has continued to be active in representing the interests of its members in Industrial Relations (IR) on
a number of critical issues, including: the TVI Crisis 2011-2012 (during which Veterinary Ireland exercised its trade union
rights in defending the employment rights of TVI members and refused to allow our members be replaced by technical
staff); the ongoing Lean Review of the Meat Inspection Service (MIS); the continuing TVI Employee Status Mitchelstown
Case (now in the Supreme Court); through membership of the ICTU Public Services Committee; in representations
on behalf of members to the Revenue Commissioners for Reliefs for Veterinary Practitioner Employees; and, in the
continued HQ advice services on Industrial Relations and Employment Law to Veterinary Practitioner Employees.
FUTURE WORK
Veterinary Ireland is committed to continuing to represent its members in all aspects of Industrial Relations. This is
especially so for its TVI members _ Veterinary Ireland will continue to defend and uphold the employment rights of TVIs,
in order to maintain their positions on the meat inspection lines, and to ensure the integrity and independence of the MIS,
which is so critical to Ireland’s €3 billion annual meat export trade.
With the State in a period of recession, Veterinary Ireland must also be prepared to face various challenges by Government
and individual employers to its employee members.
2. EMPLOYMENT LAW SERVICES
2.1 Provide an advice and support service on employment law issues tailored to the needs of members (from employer
and employee perspectives) – drawing on our strengths as a trade association affiliated to the Small Firms Association
of IBEC and a Trade Union affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland has a somewhat exceptional position amongst similar organisations in that it is an affiliate of both
the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Small Firms Association (SFA), representing both employers and
employees within the veterinary profession. This gives HQ staff an incomparable understanding of issues effecting both
employers and employees. Through such affiliations, as well as training and regular updating of skills, Veterinary Ireland
HQ provides an advice service to all members on Human Resource and Employment Law issues. While the rate of
change to Irish Employment Legislation has slowed significantly compared to a few years ago, the level of queries into
HQ continues to rise annually, with maternity, public holidays and contracts/terms and conditions being the three most
common cases being raised by all members, and the services and accompanying documentation and tools are in a
constant state of review, adaption and upgrading in order to improve the service.
FUTURE WORK
As with Industrial Relations representation, Veterinary Ireland is committed to continuing to provide and improve such
employment law services to its members, and Veterinary Ireland HQ staff will continue to undertake constant updating
and re-training on all aspects of Irish Employment Law, in order to maintain this core critical service.
5Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
3. ADVOCACY
3.1 Advocate on behalf of the veterinary profession, with a view to promoting an appropriate regulatory and policy
environment.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland has been heavily involved with a raft of recent legislation which has implications for the Irish veterinary
profession. This includes the ongoing work by Veterinary Ireland on the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and
the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012; work by VICAS and Local Authority colleagues on the Dog Breeding
Establishments and Greyhound Amendment Acts; and work by ERI colleagues on the transposition into Irish Law of the
EU Directive 10/63 Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes (SI 543 of 2012), and subsequent Guidelines.
In addition, Veterinary Ireland has represented the views of its members to regulatory bodies, including the Veterinary
Council of Ireland (VCI) and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII). The VCI has been engaged over
the increasing and unrealistic costs being placed upon vets in relation to the Premises Accreditation Scheme (PAS) and
registration costs, especially in the face of the challenging financial environment in which Ireland finds itself and which
has impacted on vets’ income. Such costs to Irish veterinary practitioners are culminating in a large funding surplus
for the VCI and Veterinary Ireland has questioned the reasoning and fairness behind this continued accumulation.
Through similar work on the huge increases in licensing fees that have been applied to veterinary practices over the
past few years, the RPII now recognises Veterinary Ireland as an important stakeholder. Further RPII reviews under EU
Regulations will take place over the next couple of years and there will be further opportunities to argue that veterinary
practices should not be subject to this expensive licensing fee.
Focused and direct advocacy work has also been undertaken at EU level, especially with regards to challenges to the
ability of vets to prescribe and dispense veterinary medicines. This has been undertaken through affiliation with the
Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and by direct lobbying of Irish MEPs by Veterinary Ireland staff.
FUTURE WORK
While the work on the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Regulations that will give effect to the legislation
and the implementation of both the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012 and EU Directive 10/63 continues, it
remains incumbent on Veterinary Ireland to take cognisance of any national and EU proposals, so that any forthcoming
legislation can be explored and representations made on behalf of our members. Contacts with the Government, TDs,
Senators and Irish MEPs, and regulators are all critical in this ongoing work.
4. GROWTH STRATEGY
4.1 Pursue a growth strategy for Veterinary Ireland – grow our membership, our resources, our profile, our influence,
our effectiveness, our services, and our strength on behalf of the profession. Veterinary Ireland will actively seek the
support of all registered veterinary practitioners.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
The growth of the Organisation, in all aspects, has been at the core of Veterinary Ireland’s Strategic Plan work. Veterinary
Ireland’s current, ongoing and future work on the Key Objectives of the Strategic Plan is geared to providing change
and progress, initiative and improvement, in order to modify outcomes and to grow the organisation in membership,
resources, services, influence, effectiveness and ultimately in strength, in order to support and represent the veterinary
profession.
The recession has been a major challenge to this work, with the veterinary profession not being immune to the effects of
the current fiscal climate. Nonetheless, through vision, leadership and, at times, plain hard work, Veterinary Ireland has
increased its total membership over the past three years from 1,124 members in 2009 to 1,437 members in 2012.
Significant progress has been made over the past two-and-a-half years in growing our membership, our resources, our
profile, our influence, our effectiveness, our services and our strength on behalf of the profession, as detailed throughout
this review.
FUTURE WORK
Building on this growth, Veterinary Ireland will actively seek the support of all registered veterinary practitioners.
Continued and improved services, such as Veterinary Ireland Financial Services Ltd, improved communications and
profile, strength and solidarity in Industrial Relations, the provision of relevant and timely CVE, and increased membership
are all part of this ongoing work.
6Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
4.2 Build on our strengths as the only representative body for the entire veterinary profession – drawing on the breadth
of membership and expertise available to the organisation.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland is the only veterinary representative body in Ireland that brings together veterinary practitioners
working with all species and sectors. This homogeneity provides great strength for the organisation, allowing for both
species/sector specific issues to be addressed, while providing a depth of knowledge and experience that can be drawn
upon in times when profession-wide, national or even international, issues need to be addressed.
Examples of this type of collaborative work are visible in other sections of this Strategic Review, but include work on the
Animal Health and Welfare Bill, the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012, the Dog Breeding Establishments Act
2010 and the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011.
The most recent example of this type of drawing together is in the area of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), and the
setting up by the National Council of Veterinary Ireland, in late 2012, of an Anti-Microbial Resistance Working Group,
drawn from all six Interest Groups.
FUTURE WORK
This extensive variance of skills and expertise within one organisation will continue to be harnessed by Veterinary
Ireland, in order to provide the best support and representation to its membership, whether that is at the individual,
Interest Group or Organisational level.
5. PROFILE OF VETERINARY IRELAND
5.1 Enhance the profile of Veterinary Ireland as the national representative body for the veterinary profession.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland has achieved media coverage on a number of campaigns and issues over the past two and half
years, on topics including the TVI Crisis 2011-12, CVE and sponsorship, puppy farm legislation, pet passports, pets and
Halloween, veterinary stress and tail docking in dogs.
In addition, Veterinary Ireland members continue to provide copy for both the Irish Farmers Journal and the Farming
Independent, and a major success for the equine veterinary profession has been through the provision of a weekly
Equine Interest Group section in the pages of The Irish Field.
As a direct consequence of this work, and the willingness of Veterinary Ireland to engage openly in discussion, Veterinary
Ireland HQ has seen an increase in the number of approaches from television and radio stations, media companies and
researchers, seeking comment or opinion from the organisation.
FUTURE WORK
While such successes have been achieved, there is a continued feeling amongst Veterinary Ireland members that an
overall increase and improvement in the general profile of vets in Ireland is needed. To this end, Veterinary Ireland’s
National Council is undertaking a major project in 2013 in order to look at how best to engage with PR and marketing
agencies, and how to utilise modern technology in order to progress this enhancement of the Irish veterinary profession’s
profile, at home and overseas.
Additionally, Veterinary Ireland has decided to retain the services of a professional PR firm in 2013 in order to assist the
organisation in its public relations profile in the media.
5.2 Veterinary Ireland will issue regular press releases outlining the views of the veterinary profession on relevant issues
of concern to the profession and put forward spokespersons to deliver a considered veterinary view.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Since January 2010, Veterinary Ireland HQ has released over 20 media releases, on topics including the TVI Crisis
2011-12, CVE and sponsorship, puppy farm legislation, pet passports, pets and Halloween, veterinary stress and tail
docking in dogs, and a large number of these releases have been picked up by either national and/or local media. While
most of these were released direct from HQ, a smaller number, for example in relation to SpayAware and CVE events,
have been compiled and released by professional PR and conference organising companies.
7Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
In addition, on each media release, Veterinary Ireland offers contact with a relevant spokesperson, to cover the topic
being released. A number of individual Veterinary Ireland members, including current and past Presidents, have also
contributed to discussions on both radio and television.
FUTURE WORK
In order to improve on both the focussed targeting and take up of Veterinary Ireland media releases, in 2013 Veterinary
Ireland will be engaging with a professional PR company in order to improve on the impact factor of its media releases
and the training of its spokespersons. It is envisaged that, with this professional assistance, in conjunction with the major
project on general profile enhancement, both the profile of Veterinary Ireland and the Irish veterinary profession will be
greatly increased.
6. COMMUNICATIONS
6.1 Communicate to engage our membership – through the Veterinary Ireland website, regular updates by VetVIEW
Newsletters and VetALERT and VetNEWS emails and through the Irish Veterinary Journal. We will regularly survey
our members to obtain feedback on important issues and topics to inform our policy positions.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland continues to circulate relevant news and information to members through a variety of channels
including print, email and online publications. In 2010, in order to increase the impact factor of its Peer Review content,
the Irish Veterinary Journal moved to an online platform through Bio-Med Central. This required a change to the
Journal’s format, and the Veterinary Ireland Journal (incorporating the Irish Veterinary Journal) began publication
in 2011. VetVIEW newsletters continue to be produced, now on a more quarterly basis, and both members and non-
members are regularly circulated by post with details and flyers relating to the CVE events and conferences being
organised by Veterinary Ireland’s Interest Groups. Regular email alerts include CVEAlerts on events (c. 100 per year),
VetALERTS on pertinent single issues (c. 70 per year), and VetENEWS mainly on Interest Group or European (FVE)
news. The Veterinary Ireland website (www.veterinaryireland.ie) continues to be adapted to the needs of the members,
especially with the password protected “Members Only Section”. In addition, the website has allowed us to integrate
some requirements for our student members, including the EMS Database of practices willing to take students on for
“seeing practice” as part of their UCD course.
Communication is a two-way process, and feedback from the membership is also essential. As well as direct contact with
HQ or Veterinary Ireland Officers, membership feedback is regularly channelled back through local representatives, TVI
Shop Stewards, Interest Group National Committee delegates or at Interest Group/Veterinary Ireland Annual General
Meetings. Veterinary Ireland’s work to improve access and attendance at its AGM has culminated in the holding of
a day-long Veterinary Ireland Conference and AGM. In addition, the advent of online survey applications (such as
SurveyMonkey) has allowed Veterinary Ireland to more easily conduct and interpret surveys with its members. Such
surveys have included Equine Group Surveys on “Working as an Equine Vet in Ireland 2010”, “Firing and Blistering
Survey 2012” and an “Unwanted Horse Survey in 2012”, with the VICAS Group conducting a pertinent “Tail Docking
Survey” as part of its lobbying and advocacy on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. Other surveys have had a more
European angle, including surveys undertaken by FVE, especially on antimicrobial resistance.
FUTURE WORK
The Veterinary Ireland website is a work in progress, and it is Veterinary Ireland’s intention to improve on the print and
paper quality of its VetVIEW newsletter. As part of its overall work on PR and marketing, more modern communication
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn will be considered in the contexts of communication and feedback,
although the liability of the organisation and the individual will have some bearing on decisions.
While further smaller surveys are envisaged over the coming months, it is Veterinary Ireland’s intention to conduct a
major benchmark survey of the Irish veterinary profession in mid-2013.
7. EDUCATION & TRAINING (CVE)
7.1 Through the Irish College of Veterinary Surgeons (ICVS), our Specific Purpose Committee on Continuing Veterinary
Education (CVE), Veterinary Ireland will provide and promote quality CVE to all sectors of the veterinary profession
in Ireland, with particular attention to the needs of Veterinary Ireland members and the requirements under the
Veterinary Practice Act.
8Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
While Veterinary Ireland has been providing Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) for a considerable length of time,
the advent of Mandatory CVE has meant that Veterinary Ireland now operates in a very competitive Irish CVE market,
vying with other professional CVE companies, free CVE from supply and animal remedies companies, and even
with individual veterinary practitioners or practices who have identified a geographical or subject niche in the market.
Veterinary Ireland’s reaction to this competition has been to continue to provide excellent and relevant CVE to all sectors
of the veterinary profession in Ireland, with particular attention to the needs of Veterinary Ireland members, especially in
assisting them in complying with their mandatory CVE obligations.
While much of the required CVE for Veterinary Ireland members in the State Sector, Local Authority and Education,
Research & Industry Groups comes from, or through, their own work practices, the Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP)
Interest Groups (Food Animal, Equine and VICAS) have continued to organise separate Annual Conferences, as well
as undertaking additional CVE Programmes throughout the year. All of this Veterinary Ireland CVE has been designed
to bring the best possible CVE to members, at greatly reduced members’ only rates. The voluntary work of our VICAS,
CAVI and Equine CVE Committees in organising these events deserves special mention, as without their commitment
this level of CVE would not be possible.
In addition, Veterinary Ireland’s Annual General Meeting has contained an extensive element of CVE (5 to 7 CVE
Credits), and coupled with the 6 CVE Credits available each year for “self study” through the pages of the Veterinary
Ireland Journal, the organisation is therefore able to provide well over half of the required CVE Credits per year, free of
charge and exclusive to Veterinary Ireland members.
FUTURE WORK
CVE will continue to be a major aspect of Irish Veterinary Registration and Practice, and Veterinary Ireland will continue
to provide members with the best possible CVE, at greatly reduced rates.
On the European CVE front, Veterinary Ireland’s Companion Animal Society (VICAS) will be co-hosting with the British
Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) the 19th FECAVA Conference in Dublin’s Convention Centre from October
2-5 2013. Having hosted both the FECAVA and World Small Animal Veterinary Association events in the Royal Dublin
Society in 2008, the return of FECAVA to Dublin in 2013 is a continuing measure of VICAS’ respected CVE work at this
European level. The Cattle Association of Veterinary Ireland (CAVI) has also been active internationally, with Dublin
chosen as the venue for the World Association for Buiatrics (WAB) Biennial Congress in 2016. Both Congresses will
bring international veterinary focus to Ireland over the next three years.
7.2 Organise public education campaigns in the area of animal health and welfare in association with relevant
stakeholders.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
As well as providing professional CVE to members and other veterinary practitioners, there is also an element of
providing more public education. This can be in the form of education for farmers, pet and horse owners, students,
schools etc.
Veterinary Ireland’s stakeholder involvement in the Animal Health Ireland (AHI) initiative provides a major element in the
education of farmer clients, and, in addition, Veterinary Ireland members continue to provide veterinary advice through
the pages of the Irish Farmers Journal and the Farming Independent. The Equine Interest Group, through former
President Peadar O Scanaill, also has a weekly column in The Irish Field, providing pertinent information and advice to
equine owners.
On the companion animal side, a significant amount of work was done during 2011 to develop a pet owner information
service, centred on VICAS’ 10 Commandments of Responsible Pet Ownership, printed materials for members’ practices
along with a pet owner information website www.lovemypet.ie. Also in 2011, Veterinary Ireland’s long running Spay Week
initiative, aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of neutering pets among the general public was rebranded
Spay Ireland (now SpayAware). The new campaign has utilised not only a website and poster/media campaign, but
also, since 2011, the National Animal Welfare Forum has been held under the auspices of Veterinary Ireland’s Animal
Welfare Committee, bringing together the major national animal welfare charities along with other interested parties to
discuss animal welfare issues in Ireland.
FUTURE WORK
Veterinary Ireland will continue to deliver and promote such initiatives, in order to advocate the health and well-being of
the animals under our care, but also to ensure that vets are central to that work, on a regular basis and not only in times
of emergency or crisis.
9Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
8. ORGANISATIONAL
8.1 Publish an Annual Report detailing the activities of the organisation including reports from the Chief Executive, the
President, the six Interest Groups Chairs, the five Specific Purpose Committee Chairs and the Financial Statements
of the organisation.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland’s first ever Annual Report was presented to Veterinary Ireland members in May 2011 for the year
ending December 31 2010. Containing a full set of reports from the Chief Executive, President, and the Chairs of the
six Interest Groups and five Specific Purpose Committees, the Annual Report 2010 also included a full set of Financial
Accounts, allowing time for all members to consider these documents well in advance of the Annual General Meeting
in November 2011. The publication of an Annual Report and Accounts has now become an ongoing feature of the work
of Veterinary Ireland.
8.2 Develop the Annual General Meeting of the organisation into an annual conference open to all members of the
organisation to include scientific content and an opportunity to engage with current issues of importance to the
organisation and the profession.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Attendance at an AGM of any organisation is generally low, and Veterinary Ireland has over the years had to make
efforts to ensure that the relevant quorum attends in order for a Veterinary Ireland AGM to proceed. For the past three
years, the Veterinary Ireland Annual General Meeting and Conference has been held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel and
Conference Centre. With the AGM business conducted in the middle of the day, the event has provided two streams of
CVE exclusively for Veterinary Ireland members, who attend free of charge and have been accredited for between 5 and
7 CVE Credits. CVE Streams have covered antimicrobial resistance, legislative updates, the Irish veterinary profession’s
role in the EU, the history of veterinary medicine, and personal finance and practice development. Each event has been
rounded off with the Annual Veterinary Ireland Presidents’ Dinner, which has been held since 2007. The new format has
also included sets of between 13 and 19 Motions for presentation and discussion, and attendances at each AGM have
been over 80 members, with feedback from the members noting the improved attendance and democratic procedures.
FUTURE WORK
This new format for the Veterinary Ireland Annual General Meeting has provided Veterinary Ireland members with an
open, democratic and participatory vehicle, with which they can exercise their right to have their voice heard on key
issues affecting the profession, and so engage in shaping the future policy and direction of Veterinary Ireland. The
Veterinary Ireland AGM and CVE event will move to another location in 2013, but the same format of AGM and CVE,
with Presidents’ Dinner, will be maintained.
8.3 Review the representative structures of the organisation, enhancing the democratic nature of our Interest Group
committees whereby it is open to all members to put themselves forward for election to committees to represent the
profession and contribute to growing our organisation.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
While the Food Animal Interest Group National Committee is elected through individual Food Animal Branch AGMs, held
annually in September/October, each of the other five Interest Groups elect a National Committee at their respective
Interest Group AGMs. Work is ongoing to ensure that each Interest Group’s AGM takes place annually and in a manner
to which the majority of Interest Group members can attend.
For both the VICAS and Education, Research & Industry AGMs in early 2013, each relevant Interest Group member has
been provided with a distinct form on which they can nominate a member of their Interest Group for consideration for
election to the relevant National Committee at the Group’s AGM. It is envisaged that this will also be brought in for other
Interest Group AGMs later on in the year.
FUTURE WORK
Currently (early 2013), Veterinary Ireland’s five Specific Purpose Committees (SPCs) are under review by the National
Council, whose remit under the Veterinary Ireland Constitution is to decide on the number and functions of such
SPCs. The nominations procedures for any future SPCs will also be examined in order to improve transparency and
democracy.
8.4 Develop active Branch and Regional representative structures to involve members locally in the activities of the
organisation.
10Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
While only the Food Animal Interest Group has a viable “Branch” structure, with 23 Regional Branches and the Cattle
Association of Veterinary Ireland represented on the Food Animal National Committee, work is ongoing with other
Interest Groups to explore how similar Branches and Regions may be allocated within Interest Groups. Due to certain
geographic or sectoral considerations, a similar model to the Food Animal Group is not always possible, but Interest
Group National Committees are being asked to look at how increased representation and democracy may be achieved
within their own Interest Group.
FUTURE WORK
On an Organisational level, the “Inter-Interest Group Region” is also being explored. The concept was initially trialled as
part of the Rota Initiative meetings held in 2011, whereby all Veterinary Ireland members in a region, irrespective of their
Interest Group affiliation, were invited to attend. Examination of this regional aspect is ongoing, and is especially being
considered in the context of assisting Veterinary Ireland members in defined geographical areas in undertaking relevant
annual CVE in order to maintain registration with the VCI.
8.5 Veterinary Ireland will undertake a review of its membership structure and the finances of the organisation. This
review will include an overview of similar representative organisations in order to ensure that Veterinary Ireland is
well positioned to deliver on its objectives and meet the challenges that lie ahead.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland has just over 1,400 members out of approximately 2,300 veterinary practitioners registered with the
Veterinary Council of Ireland. Veterinary Ireland has a membership income of approximately €500,000 per annum and
by necessity operates in a very efficient and cost effective manner by virtue of the limited resources at its disposal.
By comparison, most small to medium sized trade unions and professional bodies in Ireland would have a membership
income in the region of €2 to €4 million per annum. Examples of comparable professional organisations include the Irish
Medical Organisation (IMO) with a membership income of c. €4 million per annum, and the Irish College of General
Practitioners c. €6.8 million per annum. Examples of other, larger unions would include IMPACT with membership
income of c. €15 million per annum and SIPTU with membership income of c. €35 million per annum. The Irish Farmers
Association (IFA) has a membership income of c. €14 million per annum and the regulatory body for the veterinary
profession, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, has an annual income of approximately €1.4 million per annum.
Comparable international veterinary organisations include the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which has an income
of c. €6 million per annum and the Australian Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which has an income of c. €10
million per annum.
It is clear that Veterinary Ireland must garner the support of the vast majority of the practicing veterinary profession to
be in a position to maximise its strength and effectiveness as a representative body on behalf of the Irish veterinary
profession. Veterinary Ireland has decided not to increase its membership subscription fees during the five-year duration
of the current Strategic Plan and, instead, has committed to growing membership numbers within the organisation,
thereby spreading the costs of professional representation more evenly across the entire profession.
FUTURE WORK
We have therefore decided to maintain our membership subscription rates, while at the same time growing the services
we offer to members as envisaged by the Strategic Plan. We do not believe that it would be appropriate to seek a higher
subscription fee from existing members while many members of the profession continue to benefit from Veterinary
Ireland’s representation of the veterinary profession without contributing to the cost of that representation. We will
continue our work to maximise membership of Veterinary Ireland, while at the same time expanding and developing the
services provided to members.
9. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
9.1 Build strategic alliances with relevant stakeholders, particularly in the area of policy development, in order to realise
objectives. Stakeholders might include Animal Health Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
the Irish Farmers Association, Animal Welfare Organisations, Industry, UCD/Educational Establishments, media
etc.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland continues to support the work of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and the disease eradication programmes
11Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
being developed. Through the stakeholder forum that AHI provides, Veterinary Ireland is able to work with, and to inform
and influence, the other stakeholder bodies including the Department of Agriculture, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA). On the small animal front, Veterinary Ireland’s work on
SpayAware and the hosting of the National Animal Welfare Forum in 2011 and 2012 has resulted in alliances being
formed with a number of welfare groups including the DoneDeal Foundation and Dogs Trust, not just on general animal
welfare, but on specific topics such as spay/neuter and microchipping of pets. Sponsorship of events and CVE is a
major factor, both currently and into the future, and rather than organising sponsorship and support on an event-by-event
basis, the strategic alliance between VICAS and Hills Pet Nutrition has meant that in addition to supporting individual
events and CVE Programmes, VICAS has been able to undertake long-term strategic programmes of education. Our
partnership with Royal Canin has facilitated the educational programme on responsible pet ownership.
FUTURE WORK
While strategic in nature, such alliances need to be planned and fostered with a view to both current and long-term
initiatives. Conditions and environments also change, for all parties in any alliance, and so there must also be an
element of regular review and amendment in order to ensure that all parties benefit from the relationship, while staying
clear and true to the strategic vision.
This objective, therefore, has no end date, but is one that Veterinary Ireland will continue to undertake in order to face
the challenges and opportunities that arise, now and into the future.
10. RESEARCH AND POLICY
10.1 Veterinary Ireland will prepare and publish policy papers to be made available to interested parties, particularly
in the area of animal health and welfare and related public health matters, drawing on the extensive scientific
knowledge available to the organisation.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
With the limited resources to hand, Veterinary Ireland still strives to produce significant and timely documents and
facilities, in order to influence and inform critical stakeholders and the general public alike. A small example of the work
over the past three years includes the work of Veterinary Ireland members within the Animal Health Ireland Technical
Working Groups; the formation of a significant pet health and welfare initiative through www.lovemypet.ie; leadership in
spay awareness campaigns; as well as significant submissions to Government, legislators and decision makers on such
topics as the Meat Inspection Service, Food Harvest 2020, sustainable animal health, tail docking and microchipping
and the Use of Animals in Laboratories (EU/10/63).
FUTURE WORK
One critical aspect on which work is just beginning is that of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and at the time of writing
this review an AMR Working Group has been formed with representatives from all Interest Groups in order to examine,
educate and inform on this key threat to animal and human health. In addition, 2013 will see a major review and updating
of existing Veterinary Ireland policies, utilising the clinical, scientific and administrative skills available through members
of all six Interest Groups and also through Veterinary Ireland HQ.
The Veterinary Ireland website contains a section on which all current policy papers are published. As with the Veterinary
Ireland Strategic Plan, and this current review, Veterinary Ireland’s policies need to be regularly reviewed for content
and pertinence, especially in light of the changes that have taken place over the past number of years due to EU and
national legislation. At the time of compiling this Strategic Plan Review, the ERI Group is embarking on a revision of
the Guidelines on use of Animals in Experimental Research. While quoted in the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s Code of
Professional Conduct, with EU Directive 10/63 being signed into Irish Law at the end of 2012, a revision and update of
the Guideline is therefore required.
As part of the next stage of this Strategic Plan, and bearing in mind the changes to the Animal Health and Welfare
legislation, Veterinary Ireland will also be conducting a full revision and updating of all its policies, in order to ensure
accuracy of content, especially in the use of such documents in other work such as education and public relations.
11. NEW WORK OPPORTUNITIES
11.1 Veterinary Ireland will proactively examine alternative opportunities for the profession where existing opportunities
are threatened – proactive development of new work opportunities – e.g. Animal Health Ireland Herd Health
Initiatives.
12Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
The work of the veterinary profession, collectively, is critical to the development and safeguarding of Irish agriculture and
is fundamental to Ireland’s food industry, particularly our valuable beef exports. The State Sector Employees Interest
Group has submitted that, in this context, it is clear that no one sector has enough knowledge and resources to deal
with this enormous task and that it is only through working together in a coordinated manner that veterinarians can meet
the multiple challenges to public health, animal health and the environment, as a united profession. Ideally, the aim is
to establish a relationship of mutual support and trust, within all sectors of the veterinary profession, and to develop
whatever structures and systems are needed for this purpose
For the last decade, Veterinary Ireland has been promoting an ethos of pro-active work with animal owners, in order
to counter problems before they occur, and so to minimise the “fire brigade” service that vets provide, dealing with
emergencies, often in unsociable hours.
The work undertaken by Veterinary Ireland on Herd Health Planning logically led to the Organisation’s support for the
creation of a national Herd Health Initiative, which ultimately grew into Animal Health Ireland (AHI). Veterinary Ireland
supports AHI both financially and through the provision of veterinary knowledge, experience and expertise on AHI’s
various working and technical groups.
On the companion animal side, VICAS has undertaken a large amount of work in conjunction with and support by other
stakeholders, such as Royal Canin, in order to promote responsible pet ownership. VICAS’ “10 Commandments” and
the LoveMyPet.ie facilities are a culmination of such work.
This work, with AHI and LoveMyPet.ie, ties in well with the One Health concept being promoted at EU level by the
Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), and also adopted by Veterinary Ireland through the amalgamation of the
Animal and Public Health Committees forming One Health. The concept is not only one of greater emphasis on disease
preventative measures, but also of marketing veterinary services, adding value to livestock, engendering the companion
aspects of animals, being facilitators and leaders in partnership with other stakeholders (such as farmers, pet and equine
owners, meat processors and distributors, etc.) in order to identify and take advantage of new avenues for veterinary
work. This is especially important in the current recessionary climate, where spending is reduced, coupled with changes
in farm demographics and a decrease in more traditional veterinary services such as brucellosis testing.
FUTURE WORK
Initiatives, including AHI and LoveMyPet.ie, will continue to be advanced over the remaining period of this Strategic
Plan, in order to engender a more pro-active approach to veterinary services, as well as to the highlighting of such
services and the benefits that will accrue to animal owner and veterinary practitioner alike.
12. LIFE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
12.1 Through the provision of various services, as a stand-alone organisation or in association with other stakeholders,
Veterinary Ireland will seek to offer support to the profession on stress, addiction, health, family and other life-event
matters.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland’s aims in this area are around providing services for members both for immediate (at times emergency)
use, and also in planning for both short-term and long-term futures. As part of this ongoing commitment to the veterinary
profession, and as part of its Vet AEGIS strategy, Veterinary Ireland has continued to support the Irish Veterinary
Benevolent Fund (IVBF) in its provision of the Veterinary Assistance Programme (VetAP), with not only direct funding but
also by promotion to the veterinary profession through VetALERT, VetVIEW, access to attendees at CVE Events, and
through collaborative articles with VHI Corporate Services (the VetAP providers), in the pages of the Veterinary Ireland
Journal. In addition, the Deputy Chief Executive has worked closely with the National Office for Suicide Prevention
(NOSP) and other stakeholders, and has presented on the Irish veterinary profession’s work at the NOSP’s Annual
Forum in Dublin, as well as to FVE Secretariat colleagues on a number of occasions in Brussels.
FUTURE WORK
While there is considerable ongoing research in stress and suicide being undertaken by and with the veterinary profession
in the UK, there is also a need to continue this work and undertake research with the Irish veterinary profession. The
forthcoming Veterinary Ireland “Survey 2013” will continue the interim research carried out in Survey 2002 on work-life
matters, and collaboration with other research being undertaken in Ireland is also being explored.
13Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
12.2 Address quality of life issues (work/life balance) on behalf of the profession – e.g. long working hours / on-call.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
On quality of life issues (work/life balance), a series of meetings were set up around the country in early 2011 in order
to help facilitate members in organising collaborative out-of-hours on-call rosters. Based on the Food Animal Branch
system, and inviting all members in those regions, irrespective of their Interest Group, a number of branches met and
were able to at least discuss the problems being encountered in this aspect, as well as in a small number of cases, being
able to set up on-call and support mechanisms.
FUTURE WORK
Further work is needed on this subject, and it is an aim to utilise the proposed Survey 2013 in order to obtain information
from members in drawing up future action plans.
13. SERVICES
13.1 Develop new services on behalf of members, e.g. financial services, either directly or in association with other
providers.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Establishment of Veterinary Ireland Financial Services Limited
Veterinary Ireland specifically addressed this objective with the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Veterinary
Ireland Financial Services Limited. Launched in October 2011, the purpose of Veterinary Ireland Financial Services
Limited is to provide a comprehensive range of financial services for members, their families and employees. Two senior
advisors employed by Veterinary Ireland Financial Services Limited, are available to provide comprehensive services in
all areas of retirement planning, savings, investment and protection products for all the professional and personal needs
of members and their families.
FUTURE WORK
As well as extending the portfolio of services and products available through Veterinary Ireland Financial Services
Limited, over the remaining period of this Strategic Plan, Veterinary Ireland will be examining what other services may
be useful to members in their work and home/family life.
13.2 Provide advice and guidance to members on the development of practice infrastructure.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
While a variety of skills, knowledge and experience are available to members from Veterinary Ireland officers, members
and staff, Veterinary Ireland has looked to source valuable support from others who are professionals within their own
field. Such advice has been provided through free individual consultations on legal and financial aspects, as well as
more general advice on veterinary business and practice management through articles in the Veterinary Ireland Journal,
or through sessions at conferences and other CVE events.
FUTURE WORK
The veterinary business, like the clinical and scientific aspects, is a constantly changing environment, and Veterinary
Ireland will continue to source relevant advice and guidance for its members, either from individual professionals, and/
or through strategic partnerships with appropriate bodies.
14. INTEREST GROUP INITIATIVES
14.1 Each Interest Group National Committee (Food Animal, Companion Animal, Equine, State Sector Employees,
Local Authority Employees and Education Research and Industry), will identify three to four priority issues to be pursued
by Veterinary Ireland on behalf of that Interest Group in addition to profession wide issues identified in the strategy.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
The organisational nature of Veterinary Ireland itself means that while we can face major challenges to Ireland and to
the Irish veterinary profession in a unified and professional manner, the organisation is adaptable enough to address
issues specific to a species or a sector.
14Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
Outside of reacting to arising challenges, both to the profession and within the species and sectors themselves, the six
Interest Groups of Veterinary Ireland have been able to identify and pursue issues and projects that are of relevance to
not only the veterinary professions internally, but also generally, to the Irish farmer, pet and horse owner, and even to the
wider general citizenry of Ireland and Europe.
Such priority issues on an Interest Group level have included:
Food Animal: TVI Issues/Lean Review; ERAD; Animal Health Ireland Programmes.
VICAS: LoveMyPet.ie; SpayAware; Pet Passports; Animal Welfare Forum.
Equine: Equine Certification; Animal Remedies; Central Equine Database.
State Sector: Reduction and restructuring of DVOs; policy papers.
Local Authority: LAVS Restructuring; Dog control.
Education, Research & Industry: EU Directive 10/63; European (EVERI) Extra Mural Studies.
Other issues have been pursued on a joint Interest Group basis (e.g. Dog Breeding Establishments – VICAS/LA;
Equine Welfare – Eq/LA), while a number of issues have been discussed within Interest Groups and then brought
centrally to Veterinary Ireland by a number of Interest Groups (e.g. Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012 and para-
professionals; Animal Health and Welfare Bill; Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
FUTURE WORK
This ongoing key objective relies very much on the active participation of Veterinary Ireland members in the work of the
organisation, not only in identifying and highlighting key issues effecting their area of the veterinary profession through
AGMs and Interest Group communications, but also in following through with work in order to address those same
issues.
15.YOUNG VETS
15.1 Veterinary Ireland will continue with the concept of assisting and supporting Irish Veterinary Students in preparing
for graduation and beginning their careers as Veterinary Practitioners.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Direct Veterinary Ireland interaction with the Veterinary Students has taken place on a number of levels. Thanks to the
involvement of Deirdre Campion in UCD, herself a member of the Veterinary Ireland’s Education, Research & Industry
Interest Group, Veterinary Ireland’s President and Executive hold an introductory session for first year veterinary students
every April, giving an initial insight to what the organisation stands for and how it will be an integral part of a veterinary
practitioner’s professional life, throughout their entire career. Also, as a long standing tradition, Veterinary Ireland
continues to host a “Starting Out in Practice” social information event for final year veterinary students. Liaison with the
final year student representative prior to the event has ensured that the event is tailored to the students’ requirements.
Turnout to the event has been good, with a mix of pertinent employment and financial information with professional
notes and advice in order to give a flavour of the Irish veterinary career that awaits them.
Other supports to students have been organised through close cooperation with the UCD Veterinary Society (VetSoc).
Veterinary Ireland has sponsored the VetSoc Membership Cards and the Veterinary Ireland website has allowed us
to integrate suggestions from Veterinary Ireland student members, including the EMS database of practices willing to
take students on for “seeing practice” as part of their UCD course. One major event organised between VetSoc and
Veterinary Ireland was a lecture in October 2011 by “Bionic Vet” Noel Fitzpatrick. The two-hour lecture was attended
by over 300 students and Veterinary Ireland members, and proved to be an exceptional evening with an outstanding
member of the veterinary profession. Further ad-hoc events for students are also in the planning for the future.
One major advance by the organisation to attract student membership has been the re-categorising of student membership
fees, to better reflect the growth, requirements and needs of the veterinary students as they progress through the MVB
Programme. The aim is to attract the majority of UCD veterinary students to membership, and for maintenance of full
and active membership on graduation.
In addition to the veterinary students at UCD, there are a significant number of Irish veterinary students undertaking
studies at Budapest and Warsaw Universities. Officers of Veterinary Ireland have visited Budapest to speak to these
students, and other links have been made with veterinary students in both universities.
15Veterinary Ireland Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015 z Mid-Term Review z June 2013
FUTURE WORK
The aim for the future is to increase contact with Irish veterinary students, both at UCD and overseas, not only to support
them during their studies, but also to support them as they embark on the early years of their veterinary careers.
15.2 Veterinary Ireland will aim to provide critical supports to new graduates within the first five years of their careers as
Veterinary Practitioners.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Having qualified, graduated and registered with the VCI, perhaps one of the most important supports to young veterinary
Ireland members is that of employment support and stress support.
With regards to seeking employment, the Veterinary Ireland Journal and the Veterinary Ireland website, www.
veterinaryireland.ie both include a Classified Advertisement section as a resource to seeking employment, either
through the Situations Vacant or Situations Wanted Sections. The posting of classified adverts is free to Veterinary
Ireland members. In addition, Veterinary Ireland HQ is able to assist new graduates with formulating and presenting a
curriculum vitae, writing job application letters, as well as advising on employment rights and responsibilities, contracts,
terms and conditions, annual leave and public holidays, both prior to, and following, acceptance of a job offer.
This advice and assistance continues past engagement. As a Trade Association, queries on general veterinary matters,
such as animal remedies regulations, tail-docking, CVE or more formal further education can be forwarded on to the
relevant officer or executive for a response, while as a trade union, Veterinary Ireland HQ can provide employment law
guidance, advice and representation, financial advice through Veterinary Ireland Financial Services Limited, or provide
access to the Veterinary Assistance Programme (VetAP), for general or specific assistance.
FUTURE WORK
With around 20% of Veterinary Ireland members having graduated since 2002, there is scope for further work on behalf
of Veterinary Ireland members recently graduated. Services pertinent to their requirements need to be assessed and
implemented, and with the ongoing advances in personal communication systems, the methodology of communication
and support with young vets is a project to be explored, including the organisation’s consideration of social media,
including Twitter and Facebook.
16. INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION
16.1 Veterinary Ireland will continue to represent the veterinary profession in Ireland at a European level through its
membership of the various European veterinary representative bodies including the Federation of Veterinarians of
Europe (FVE) recognising that much of our laws originate from the European Union and consequently the importance
of representation at a European level.
CURRENT AND ONGOING WORK
Veterinary Ireland continues to remain a strong voice on the European stage through its active participation in a number of
pan-European veterinary organisations, including the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations
(FECAVA), the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) and the Federation of Veterinarians
of Europe (FVE) (including its constituent bodies of the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners (UEVP), the Union
of European Veterinary Hygienists (UEVH) and European Veterinarians in Education, Research and Industry (EVERI).
The standing of Veterinary Ireland members and executive staff active at European level is also considered to be high
for a country the size of Ireland, compared to other Member States, and Veterinary Ireland members hold a number
of Officer and Board positions among these European organisations. These include Peter Murphy in FECAVA, Peter
Nowlan in EVERI, Vivienne Duggan in FEEVA and Sean O’Laoide, current President of UEVH. In addition, Veterinary
Ireland members are also active in the various Committees in these organisations, including Peter Murphy on AMR with
FECAVA and Frank O’Sullivan on the Future of Meat Inspection within UEVP/FVE.
Recent work at European level includes the AMR posters through FECAVA, and the lobbying of Irish MEPs on Animal
Remedies topics, mainly on various proposals to decouple veterinary prescribing and dispensing of antimicrobials.
FUTURE WORK
Work on veterinary antimicrobials, as well as additional work on anthelmintics, on prescribing, dispensing and AMR, is
ongoing both at national and at EU level through liaison and collaboration with veterinary and executive colleagues in
FVE.
16.2 Through membership and affiliation with international bodies, such as WSAVA and WAB, Veterinary Ireland will
continue to represent and promote the organisation and the Irish veterinary profession on the global stage.
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