The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has confirmed it has received the letter sent from Veterinary Ireland, the body that represent vets in Ireland, regarding increases in fees charged by the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI).

The CCPC has stated that it “is reviewing the issues and will respond to Veterinary Ireland in due course.”

Veterinary Ireland sent letters on the matter to the CCPC and the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon in recent days, calling for an intervention into the increased VCI fees imposed on veterinary practitioners.

ADVERTISEMENT

The VCI has imposed an 8.9% increase on annual registration fees for veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses, as well as increases ranging from 103% to 191% in fees for granting certificates of suitability for practice premises under its premises accreditation scheme over two four-year cycles.

Veterinary practitioners around the country have raised concerns about the sharp fee increases, some warning that farmers could see increases in their vet bills as a result.

Eoin Glynn, Veterinary Ireland president, said: “Veterinary Ireland as an organisation is very concerned about the imposed VCI fees.

“In the current climate, with the cost-of-living crisis, all service charges have increased hugely. For example, fuel and electricity – a massive one for farmers and vets alike. All of these increases affect everything we do as a profession.

“Ultimately, if the fees prevail, it’s the clients of the veterinary profession that are going to be impacted,” he said.

Glynn stated: “It’s particularly applicable to clients of mixed practices in rural Ireland where a lot of the income comes from farmers. If we look at farmer incomes recently, with drops in beef and milk prices, I don’t know how vets can impose extra charges on farmers in order for practices to stay viable. I just don’t think it can be done.

“We as a profession are very proud to provide a high level of service and, especially for farm animal clients where we are out a lot of nights and long hours, we are always available. These fees are going to make it harder to provide that service,” he said.