Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1212.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the engagements he has had with veterinary practitioners to discuss their concerns in relation to the changes to medicine rules under the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33916/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In preparing the Regulations, there has been extensive stakeholder engagement over the last four years and all stakeholder views have been considered to find the appropriate balance of routes of supply, medicine availability and cost while meeting our obligations in EU and national legislation.

On 14th December 2023, I met with Veterinary Ireland to discuss their concerns on the draft Regulations.

On 16th July, I met with Veterinary Ireland to discuss their concerns on the potential inclusion of the prescription only medicine (exempt) (POM(E)) category in the Regulations.

On 31st July my Department met with veterinary, farming, retail and pharmacy organisations to hear their views on the POM(E) route of sale.

Further consideration of the views expressed in relation to POM(E) vaccines and the proper assessment protocol for the prescribing of anti-parasitic medicines will be considered before finalisation of the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024.