Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 6

Written Answers. - Animal Vaccines.

John Perry

Question:

120 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Connacht Gold Co-op services most of Connacht, with the farm inputs division having a network of 29 branches strategically located convenient for farmers; if the cattle and sheep vaccines will remain available through licensed merchants, in view of the fact that changes in the legislation will have a detrimental effect; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the products have been available through this route for in excess of 30 years without any facts emerging to suggest a danger to animals, users, consumers or the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30205/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

I am very conscious of the important role co-operatives outlets have played for many years in servicing the needs of farmers, including the sale of certain categories of animal medicines. However, because licences in respect of animal vaccines, which had been granted under the Therapeutic Substances Act 1932, no longer met current scientific or EU legislative requirements, it was necessary to review all such licences on an individual basis. Under the review, which has been ongoing since 1999, the Irish Medicines Board carries out the detailed examination of application dossiers submitted by sponsoring companies under the headings of quality, safety and efficacy. On this basis, the board makes a recommendation to me for a final decision on the grant or otherwise of a licence and on the conditions, including route of supply, accompanying such licence.

In terms of designating routes of supply for individual vaccines, my Department does not have a general approach which would as a matter of policy necessarily exclude any of the categories provided for under the Animal Remedies Regulations 1996. Rather, the decision is taken on the basis of the characteristics of each individual product taking account of the relevant recommendation of the Irish Medicines Board and the objective criteria laid down in Regulation 13 of the Animal Remedies Regulations 1996.

My Department is currently reviewing its remit as licensing authority for veterinary vaccines.