The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food will this week discuss the issues around recruitment and retention of veterinary nurses.

Representatives from the Irish Veterinary Nurses Association (IVNA) will address members of the committee on Wednesday afternoon (June 17).

Speaking ahead of the meeting, committee cathaoirleach Deputy Aindrias Moynihan said that the IVNA is the representative body for veterinary nurses in the Republic of Ireland.

"They promote animal health, care and welfare. They foster the need to cultivate the highest standard of veterinary nursing through the continuing advancement of professional development and ongoing education," he said.

Veterinary nurses

Deputy Moynihan said representatives from the IVNA will discuss the challenges facing recruitment of veterinary nurses.

"We will look for more information on the documented structural pressures, limited career progression, the pay and demanding working conditions facing those who choose the career.

"We know that many practices struggle to attract new nurses because salaries often do not reflect the level of training, responsibility, and emotional stress that comes with the profession.

"When recruitment is weak, vets must absorb these duties themselves, reducing the time available for proactive herd health planning and on farm advisory work.

"We look forward to hearing how they would mitigate the issues being experienced," he said.

According to the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) annual report for 2025, there were 1,392 veterinary nurses registered. 164 veterinary nurses joined the register last year.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food consists of 14 members, including nine TDs from Dáil Éireann and five senators from the Seanad.

The committee shadows the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and focuses on farm policy, animal welfare, and food safety.