Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food meets for examination of the impacts of the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023

The meeting, in 3 sections, will hear from representatives from:

3:30pm – 4:20pm: Merchants Alliance Ireland

4:20pm – 510pm: The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

5:10pm – 6pm: Veterinary Council of Ireland, Veterinary Ireland

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Aindrias Moynihan said: “Our Committee moves focus tomorrow and welcomes representatives from the Merchants Alliance Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Veterinary Council of Ireland and Veterinary Ireland to examine the impacts of the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023.

“This Act aims to update regulations on veterinary medicines, medicated feed, and fertilisers and looks to improve animal health, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and enhance regulatory oversight in the veterinary sector.

“Some of the key aspects that we will look to those attending tomorrow to provide us with are more detail on the operation on some of the key aspects of the legislation including:

- National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS): A database to record veterinary prescriptions, allowing people responsible for animals to purchase medicines from authorised dispensers.

- Responsible use of antimicrobials: Restrictions on prophylactic use and requirements for metaphylaxis prescriptions.

- Licensing and enforcement: New licensing requirements and enforcement measures to ensure compliance.

“Ar an gCéadaoin beidh an coiste ag diriú ar fheidhmniú laethúil an Achta. Beimid ag fiosrú mar a choimeádfar taifid ar oideas tréidlai go háirithe, an deis do dhaoiní atá freagrach as ainimhithe, leigheas a cheannach ó dhaoiní atá ceadúnaithe nach tréidlai iad, agus go leor ábhair eile.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.