Paul McDermott has been appointed as the new president of the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI).

The appointment was confirmed by VCI Council members at their meeting on November 5, 2026, following a nomination process.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the statutory body for regulating the veterinary profession in Ireland.

A familiar face in the veterinary sector, McDermott brings extensive experience to the role.

He spent more than 19 years as a county veterinary officer in Mayo and previously ran a mixed animal practice in north Mayo.

McDermott is also a past president of Veterinary Ireland.

He has published several peer-reviewed scientific papers on animal welfare and serves on a number of national and international committees focused on veterinary education, animal health and welfare, and veterinary public health.

Speaking following his appointment, McDermott said: “It is a privilege to have been elected as president of the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

"I look forward to working closely with our new CEO and Registrar, the executive team and continuing the work with my colleagues on the council, in the interest of the public and of animal health and welfare and veterinary education.”

VCI CEO and registrar, Victoria Brownlee, has congratulated McDermott on his appointment.

“I warmly congratulate our new president on his incoming term of office and look forward to working with him to progress the work of the Veterinary Council in the interest of animal health and welfare and public health," Brownlee added.

Veterinary Council of Ireland

Paul McDermott succeeds Joseph Walsh as president of the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)

Walsh had resigned as president of the council, and as a member of the council in August this year.

At the time the VCI said it accepted Walsh’s resignation at a meeting on August 26.

It had thanked him for his dedicated service and valued contribution to the Veterinary Council of Ireland, to the veterinary profession, and to the general public over the last four and half years, including his leadership as president.