AQW 39366/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 29/01/2026
Answered On Date: 10/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department has taken to facilitate discussions between (i) Northern Ireland universities; (ii) the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; and (iii) the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, regarding the establishment of a veterinary medicine degree in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

As autonomous institutions, the universities have discretion to offer any course, including veterinary medicine, from within existing student numbers and funding allocations.

However, should a proposal be put forward, I am open to working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to explore the matter.