About the Veterinary Council of Ireland

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

The principal function of the Veterinary Council of Ireland is to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland, in the interest of animal health and welfare, and public health.

Other responsibilities of the Veterinary Council of Ireland include public protection through the maintenance of standards in the practice of veterinary medicine and nursing through the accreditation and supervision of veterinary education, safeguarding and maintenance of the Register of Veterinary Practitioners and Register of Veterinary Nurses, certification and registration of veterinary practice premises, standards for veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing required in a binding Code of Professional Conduct and through disciplinary action in cases of professional misconduct.

The Registrar leads the Executive team, in delivering the strategy of the Veterinary Council of Ireland through the day-to-day operations.