Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2014
99. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason veterinary retail personnel have to do an updated course on veterinary product sales if they have only completed a recent course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39588/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been a requirement of national animal remedies legislation since 1996 that retail sales of veterinary medicines by persons other than veterinary practitioners or pharmacists can only be carried out by appropriately trained persons referred to as ‘Responsible Persons’. My Department announced that, from the beginning of 2013, these mandatory training requirements were being brought into line with the National Framework of Qualifications under which courses are accredited by FETAC and were compulsory for all new applicants after 1 January 2013. As well as reflecting developments in the training environment since 1996, this took account of the fact that Responsible Persons had been enabled in the interim to supply certain Prescription Only medicines on the prescription of a veterinary practitioner. It was also necessary to introduce transitional upskilling arrangements for existing Responsible Persons. Under these arrangements, a minimum of 3 years and, in the majority of cases, much longer, will have elapsed since a person will have attended a course. It is also important to point out that those affected will be enabled to avail of a tailored upgrade course.
It is my view that these arrangements are in the best interests of ensuring the safe supply of veterinary medicines through the broadest possible range of retail outlets and serve to ensure the maintenance of healthy competition in this field.
