Brexit Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

Questions (790)

Matt Carthy

Question:

790. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to any issue that may arise in relation to the importation of veterinary medicinal products from the EU via Britain, or in relation to the cross-Border trade of livestock in instances whereby regulatory alignment is not in place regarding such medicines, following Brexit-related grace periods elapsing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57852/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Since Ireland’s membership of the EEC in 1973 we have enjoyed a largely common market for veterinary medicinal products with many UK medicines authorised as EU or Reference Member State products.

As the UK is no longer within the EU as a result of Brexit, such veterinary products can no longer legally be freely accessed or traded. Part of the ongoing Brexit and NI Protocol negotiations, however, allowed for veterinary medicine product exemptions until 31st December 2022.

My Department, the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Department of Foreign Affairs are in regular communication with relevant stakeholders including our counterparts in Northern Ireland and the EU in identifying options for the continued delivery of critical veterinary medicinal products on the island as a whole and limiting any impact on cross border trade of livestock.