Animal Vaccination.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 April 2007

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Questions (500)

Mary Upton

Question:

535 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her understanding of the regulatory impact of recent legal changes that have apparently resulted in all dog vaccines being reclassified as prescription only medicine; if her attention has been drawn to concerns that people on low incomes will not be able to afford to vaccinate their animals; and the steps she has taken, is taking or is prepared to take to ensure that dog owners can obtain vaccination for their dogs easily and at a reasonable price. [13020/07]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

Under relevant legislation, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the competent authority for approving and designating Routes of Sale for veterinary medicines including all vaccines on the basis of that body's scientific evaluation of the risk-benefit profile of each product and having regard to objective criteria laid down in the legislation. The Board is independent in the exercise of its statutory functions. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene with the IMB in the exercise of these functions.