Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
311. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which his Department is utilising the research data generated from Irish research in relation to the iNAP2 plan to date; and if his Department has analysed it or requested any communication with the scientists in order to ensure that the research is translated into policy. [53908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a high-level priority of my Department to deliver Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025 (iNAP2), in conjunction with the Department of Health and stakeholders, to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Several projects are currently underway in the iNAP2 that use and build upon research findings and data generated in Ireland's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (iNAP). My Department is already seeing the tangible benefits of the outputs of several research projects delivered by iNAP, where research is translated into policy.
Specific measures have been introduced in many of my Department's Schemes and services that involve the tracking of antimicrobial usage (AMU). The Pigs Exceptional Payments Scheme 2 (PEPS2) requires an applicant to be actively supplying antimicrobial data to my Departments AMU database in order to benefit. During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020,my Department launched an antibiotic use calculator tool for dairy herds' which enables farmers to “self-monitor” their use of antibiotics to support behaviour change and reduce usage. My Department, together with Animal Health Ireland (AHI), has developed specialised training programmes for farmers and vets which assist in delivering upon the changes that are required as a result of the new regulations on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feed. My Department has also, as a result of data generated and analysed under iNAP, introduced guidelines and policies on the prudent use of antimicrobials such as the selective approach to dry cow therapy.
iNAP2 continues to promote research that will be used to shape future policy to curb AMR which additionally includes sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and the role of the environment in the dissemination and spread of AMR. Further research outputs are expected under iNAP2 which will continue to support Ireland’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainable food systems whilst promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials in agriculture.
