Vol. 550 No. 4
233 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, further to Question No. 188 of 5 February 2002, his Department has sought the views of interested parties relating to the introduction of prescription only intramammary antibiotic medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8878/02]
As indicated in response to Question No. 188, my Department sought the views of interested parties on how best to implement the recommendation from the Irish Medicines Board that intramammary antibiotic medicines should be brought under prescription control.
Having received responses from the majority of stakeholders, my Department is now in the final stages of this consultative process involving a series of follow-up meetings with a number of parties who had requested this. When this important part of the exercise has been completed, proposals will be formulated in regard to changing the existing legislation. In finalising this matter, due regard will be had to the views expressed and will also take account of relevant EU requirements as well as arrangements in operation in other member states of the EU where prescription regimes apply to intramammaries.
