The Veterinary Council of Ireland the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practise of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing. The principal function of the Veterinary Council is to regulate the practise of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the Republic of Ireland, in the interest of animal health and welfare and in the interest of veterinary public health. The functions of the Veterinary Council include protection of the public through the supervision of veterinary education, the maintenance of the register of veterinary practitioners and nurses, the registration of veterinary premises, and through disciplinary action in cases of professional misconduct. There are 2,948 Veterinary Practitioners and 1,045 Veterinary Nurses registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland. There are currently 759 veterinary premises registered under the Council’s Statutory Premises Accreditation Scheme. These include Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary Offices and Veterinary Hospitals.