Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Veterinary Services: Drugs

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have received a report from the Veterinary Medicines Working Group since its establishment; and if so, what discussions they have had with European Union representatives to resolve outstanding issues, with particular regard to the provision of veterinary vaccines for Northern Ireland.

Answer: A commitment to produce a report on safeguarding veterinary medicines into NI was made by the Veterinary Medicines Working Group (VMWG) established under the previous government; the group was paused due to the election before the report could be published. The VMWG has since been reestablished to provide advice to the new UK Government on an ongoing basis but will no longer produce a final report. Maintaining availability of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland after the end of 2025 is a priority and this Government will progress work on this issue as quickly as possible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1673
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Drugs Northern Ireland Vaccination Veterinary services UK relations with EU
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk