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The Minister reaffirmed the need for the UK and the European Union to make progress on supplies from the UK to Northern Ireland.
This follows the announcement by the EU that a possible solution for the circulation of human medicines is being identified.
“I have stated on many occasions that the Northern Ireland Protocol makes it totally unacceptable that there are additional barriers to the movement of veterinary medicines from the UK to Northern Ireland,” said Poots.
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“The UK announced back in 2021 that the grace period for these products would be extended indefinitely, which means that the agreements and current procedures for the transport of veterinary medicines between UK and NI will continue as they did until the end of the transition period.”
He added: “While I recognize the EU’s recognition of the current grace period in relation to these steps, this is not enough.
“I am concerned about the negative impact on animal health, for both farm animals and pets, on top of the stress our industry would be exposed to if it had to meet all of the additional EU requirements for shipments of veterinary medicinal products under NI, when there just isn’t a need for it.
“The industry needs security and no barriers must be erected that could endanger the health and welfare of animals in Northern Ireland.
“I note that there will be further talks between the UK and the EU on this matter and call for a sensible, lasting and pragmatic solution that will not have a negative impact on the UK to NI veterinary supply,” the Agriculture Minister concluded.
