Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
468. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans that are in place in order to supply members of the veterinary profession with the necessary amount of injectable calcium (details supplied); if there are plans in place to counteract a shortage or increase this supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products in Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regulates the distribution of veterinary medicinal products in the State. Both bodies collaborate when potential veterinary medicinal shortages arise and are notified via the shortages protocol.
There are several injectable calcium veterinary medicines (product details available on the HPRA website) indicated for the treatment of milk fever currently authorised in Ireland. My officials have been in contact with the HPRA who informed us that they have been notified by one of the companies that, due to high demand for one product, they currently have no stock on hand but hope to have product available again in a few months. The HPRA expects that other companies will be in a position to meet any immediate shortfall in supply.
