AQW 9045/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/03/2024
Answered On Date: 25/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail progress that has been made regarding the list of animal medicines at risk of being discontinued in Northern Ireland because of post-Brexit arrangements.

Answer:

There is currently a grace period for veterinary medicines until 31 December 2025. This grace period was granted on condition that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), an agency of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and United Kingdom (UK) competent authority, comply with measures in a joint European Union (EU)/UK Action plan.

This action plan is a matter for the UK Government and requires the UK to provide details of veterinary medicines at risk in Northern Ireland (NI) including those in danger of being discontinued as well as information on measures which could be undertaken to ensure the continued availability of veterinary medicines to NI. VMD submitted documents to the EU Commission to meet Milestone 3 of the EU/UK Action plan on 31 January 2024 and are currently working on Milestone 4.