Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will give effect to EU Directive 2004/28, to provide a new framework governing the veterinary medicines regime across Europe; if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed that the new regulations will mean that products previously available directly from pharmacies will now require a prescription from a vet and will lead to significant additional costs for farmers; if she will designate pharmacists as a suitably qualified professional for prescribing purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26459/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Directive 2004/28 of the Council and of the European Parliament, which is the new EU legislation governing the veterinary medicines regime, must be transposed into national law no later than 30 October of this year. My Department has circulated draft regulations designed to give effect to the new EU legislation and to reform aspects of the existing national regime for consultation. Written submissions have been received from most of the stakeholders. My Department has also subsequently met many of these stakeholders as part of the consultative process. In addition, as required by the relevant legislation, the animal remedies consultative committee will meet shortly to consider the draft regulations, following which I will make final decisions on the issues involved so that the regulations can be brought into force by the transposition deadline.

I am aware of the concerns expressed that some veterinary medicines that may currently be purchased from pharmacies will require a veterinary prescription following adoption of these regulations. The position on this issue is as follows. While the directive provides that all veterinary medicines for food producing animals must be subject to prescriptions, it also includes a provision for exemption criteria to be adopted at EU level that will provide a mechanism for certain categories of medicines to be exempted from the prescription requirement. The EU has not yet adopted a decision on the exemption criteria but must do so before 1 January 2007. Pending this decision, existing national prescription and distribution arrangements may remain in place. As I indicated in a previous reply, I will consult on this and make a decision in due course.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I appreciate the Minister has replied to this question twice. The key issues are competition or lack of, monopoly, black market and costs. Account must be taken of these issues in terms of any changes in the regulations.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Minister publish the exemption list she has submitted to Brussels?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will consider that in due course. As I said in my previous reply, it reflects what is usually used.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before 31 October.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with Deputy Upton that those are the issues with which we must deal. The United Kingdom has proceeded differently on the black market. We must ensure competition and people must not feel under pressure that their choice will be restricted. We want a balance between the confidence of the consumer and the cost to the farmer. I intend that between now and 1 January 2007 we will be in a position to have a fair and balanced approach to the matter.