I propose to take Questions Nos. 1037, 1038, 1041 and 1042 together.
My Department implements a range of regular and systematic inspection and control measures along the animal production and food supply chain to protect consumers of Irish food, and the health and welfare of animals by providing for effective regulation of the supply, distribution and use of Irish veterinary medicines.
My Department officials met recently (November 2020) with the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. Resulting from this meeting a commitment to establish regular formal meetings between the regulatory authorities in Ireland - DAFM, Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) & the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) and UK/NI (VMD, DAERA & the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) counterparts was agreed. The next meeting of officials from these bodies is scheduled for April 2021.