AQW 39671/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 03/02/2026
Answered On Date: 18/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether his Department has identified any impacts on animal welfare arising from changes to the supply arrangements for veterinary prescription medicines since 1 January 2026.

Answer:

In line with the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024, the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland falls under the Direction and Control of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Furthermore, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (an Executive Agency of Defra) is the Competent Authority for veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.

I am currently not aware of any impacts on animal welfare arising from changes to the supply arrangements for veterinary prescription medicines since 1 January 2026.