Decision on medicines welcomed

A decision by the EU Commission and Greek Presidency to amend proposals relating to veterinary medicines has been welcomed by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) and the Animal Plant and Health Association (APHA).

ICOS president Donal Cashman said the decision to create an exemption to the 'prescription-only' requirement, subject to certain criteria, could potentially reduce some of the more negative impacts of the Commission's proposals.

It will create an objective framework for many common veterinary medicines to remain within the licensed merchant regime.

“We hope that this is the first step in a process that will ultimately ensure the continuation of fair and reasonably priced access to veterinary medicines," he said.

Mr Cashman said ICOS had lobbied strongly on the severity for Ireland of the original proposals.

These would have required that every animal be clinically examined by a vet before a medicine could be purchased.

A sophisticated network of regulated, licensed merchant outlets in Ireland have sufficient training and reporting structures in place.

These provide maximum assurance and protection for consumers, while providing nationwide inexpensive access to veterinary medicines to protect animal welfare.

APHA president Declan O’Brien said that the fact the Commission had moved from its strongly held view on the prescription issue is great progress.

But the value of this will depend on the range of products exempted.