AQW 12379/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 22/05/2024
Answered On Date: 17/06/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the work he is doing to protect the supply of vital veterinary medicines.


Answer:
The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024 came into force on 12 April 2024, conferring powers upon the Secretary of State in relation to Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework, which includes Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products. As the Secretary of State has not exercised discretion with respect to this regulation, it is now under the direction and control of the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
As Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I am committed to do whatever is in my power as Minister to ensure that a satisfactory solution is found by the end of the grace period on 31 December 2025.
On becoming Minister I have discussed the veterinary medicines issue with various groups such as the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the NI Grain Trade Association, as well as representatives from the Dairy Council, Logistics NI and Ulster Farmers Union and developed an understanding of the issues for our future supply of veterinary medicines.
I am a member of the Veterinary Medicines Working Group (VMWG), which aims to help find and advise the UK Government on practical solutions on the issue of future supply and access to veterinary medicines.
I have written to Minister Baker, Minister of State for Northern Ireland to query the solution of a UK/EU veterinary agreement.
I participated in the private members motion debate in the Assembly following the House of Lords Windsor Framework Sub-Committee’s inquiry into veterinary medicines and the Windsor Framework and I gave my commitment to speak with Minister Baker further on this subject and to write to the UK Government’s Windsor Framework Taskforce in an attempt to assist with bringing forward proposals to the UK Government and European Union authorities that would positively resolve the issues surrounding the supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.
I receive regular updates from my officials who work closely with Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the competent UK authority for veterinary medicines and an agency of Defra.