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Veterinary Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Questions (384)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

384. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to ensure that regulations will not be introduced here that will make it more difficult for farmers to obtain medical remedies by forcing them to seek prescriptions from vets which will cost the farmer more and impact on local co-ops that currently sell these items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47315/21]

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Written answers

In line with findings from a 2019 Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) Expert Task Force Report, antiparasitic veterinary medicines no longer meet exemption criteria in EU law which permits them to be supplied without a veterinary prescription. Therefore, from 28th January 2022 antiparasitic veterinary medicines will require a veterinary prescription before they can be supplied.

All current suppliers of antiparasitic veterinary medicines will continue to be legally permitted to supply these medicines post January 2022. The Department is actively working with all stakeholders to sustain a competitive market for the supply of these products. The ambition is to ensure Irish farmers are empowered to purchase medicines from their supplier of choice. Initiatives such as the development of a National Veterinary Prescribing System (NVPS) will help deliver on this ambition. The NVPS will result in a prescription being made available to a farmer by choice of email or text. Farmers can then engage with Licensed Merchants, veterinary pharmacists or their veterinary practitioner in getting their prescription dispensed.

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