There are about 2,000 vets in the State. The majority are involved in private practice and the rest are state vets, local vets or are involved in industry.

The five veterinary organisations representing the different groups have, since last year, amalgamated into one group, Veterinary Ireland. The Veterinary Officers Association continues to exist; however, its members are also affiliated with the new organisation.

Vets working with the Department of Agriculture start as veterinary inspectors, go on to be superintending veterinary inspectors and may rise to senior superintending veterinary inspectors. They generally start earning £30,000 to £32,000 and can at the top earn over £60,000. The pay in the private sector varies but graduates usually start at the same level as they do in the state service.

UCD has a new graduate entry programme (DN105) starting this autumn. The programme is open to graduates with a 2:1 honours degree or higher in any discipline and a minimum of 400 Leaving Cert points. Applications are made to the CAO and UCD and the closing date for both is February 1st. Full details are available from UCD.