Veterinary Ireland has written to the Department of Agriculture to remind it of its obligation to ensure a safe working environment for its employees and Veterinary Ireland members.

Finbarr Murphy, chief executive of Veterinary Ireland, told the Irish Farmers Journal that it has advised its members to report any intimidation to the veterinary inspector in charge at meats plants.

Report for work

The organisation has also reiterated its advice that temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) at factories should report for work as normal and that they are legally obliged to go to work.

“While we are sympathetic to the position of farmers, we would ask them not to use vets in their dispute with meat factories and the Department of Agriculture,” Murphy said.

“We would not like to see the very good relationship between farmers and vets unnecessarily damaged during this dispute."

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Safe working environment needed for factory vets – Veterinary Ireland

The body which represents vets has written to the Department of Agriculture about the ongoing Beef Plan Movement protests.