About the Veterinary Council

The Veterinary Council is an independent statutory body set up under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended. For public accountability purposes, the Veterinary Council operates under the aegis of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The principal function of the Veterinary Council is to regulate the practise of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland, in the interest of animal health and welfare, and public health. The Veterinary Council acts in the public interest, as an independent statutory body promoting optimal animal health, food safety and supporting sustainability in line with the principles of One Health, One Welfare.

History

The Veterinary Council was originally established under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1931. Under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, the Veterinary Council came into force on 1 January 2006 when this legislation was enacted. The Veterinary Council is the independent statutory body in perpetuity, responsible for the regulation and management of the veterinary professions in Ireland.

The Council

The Veterinary Council is a statutory board comprised of 19 members both appointed and elected members, including veterinary practitioner members, veterinary nursing members and non-veterinary members.

The membership includes:

  • 9 elected veterinary practitioners
  • 1 elected veterinary nurse

9 members appointed by:

  • the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (4)
  • the Minister for Higher Education (1)
  • the National University of Ireland (2)
  • the Consumer and Competition Commission (1)
  • Food Safety Authority of Ireland (1)

The Executive

The Veterinary Council is supported by an executive team of 12 people, headed by a Chief Executive Officer, named in the Veterinary Practice Act as the Registrar.

Independently Funded

The Veterinary Council is funded through income from registration fees and practice premises accreditation fees, which it sets in respect of veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses and veterinary practice premises.