IFA attacks vet prescription plans
Animal Health Committee chairman Michael Flynn said the Department of Agriculture proposals to confine prescription writing to vets will reduce competition by limiting supply routes, will increase costs and have repercussions on animal welfare.
“Irish farmers spend approximately €125m per annum on animal remedies. If competition is removed and market prices mirror what has happened to the price of prescription-only medicines, it is conceivable that farmers will have to pay an additional e60m to e80m per annum for veterinary medicines,” he said.
Mr Flynn said the definition of what constitutes a veterinary medicine varies between EU member states. Electrolytes, for example, are not considered a veterinary medicine in Spain but are here.
“This move by the department will make Irish agriculture more uncompetitive.
“This is the type of red tape that is forcing farmers out of business by imposing costly nonsensical regulations on an industry that can ill afford to carry them.”
Mr Flynn said Minister Mary Coughlan must ensure a sensible regime is put in place. Britain, a major customer of Ireland, allows professional people other than vets to write prescriptions.
A similar regime which complies with EU directives should be put in place here, Mr Flynn added.
