Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Are we expected to start eating cats and dogs? The directive specifically deals with medicines for animals for human consumption. The Minister is relying on an exemption list. She is hoping to convince the other 24 EU member states that a range of medicines will be removed from the prescription-only regime throughout the EU. In her contribution she said the position in most member states, apart from the UK, is that the writing of prescriptions is confined to vets from which they do not intend to depart. How does the Minister hope to get unanimous agreement that these medicines should be exempt from a prescription in Ireland and in those other EU member states? She will not get their agreement to take prescriptions——

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