Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration he has given to the additional costs to farmers on changes planned for January 2022 in that prescription will be required for worming products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51708/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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There are savings to be made by farmers in having healthier herds that require fewer antiparasitics. This is good for the pocket, good for the environment and good for animal health.  

The treatment of animals with antiparasitics is often a management tool and not an emergency treatment and, as such, can be planned for with a farmers veterinary practitioner. Veterinary practitioners and farmers may combine a visit to discuss antiparasitic needs with other routinely scheduled visits.

Farmers have close working relationships with their veterinary practitioners.  Farmer will now require a veterinary practitioner to be out on their farm every time animals need to be dosed.

My Department is actively working with stakeholders to sustain a competitive market for the supply of these products. The ambition is to ensure Irish farmers are empowered to purchase medicines from their supplier of choice. Initiatives such as the development of a National Veterinary Prescribing System (NVPS) will help deliver on this ambition.

The NVPS will result in a prescription being made available to a farmer by choice of email or text. Farmers can then engage with Licensed Merchants, veterinary pharmacists or their veterinary practitioner in getting their prescription dispensed.

I also intend to allow for generic/alternative veterinary medicines be dispensed based on the active substances on the prescription, further reducing costs for farmers and suppliers of veterinary medicines alike.