The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Lobbying Organisation The Irish Farmers' Association - IFA

Date published 21 Jan, 2022

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Sep, 2021 to 31 Dec, 2021

Specific Details Anti-Parasitic Products

Intended results To highlight that there is ample opportunity within the EU Veterinary Medicines Regulation to address the concerns of farmers, Licensed Merchants and veterinary pharmacies and resolve the concerns associated with the sourcing of anti-parasitic products, following very productive discussions with representatives of the Licensed Merchants Association, the veterinary pharmacies and ICOS. That all stakeholders agree a practical solution can be provided that recognises the professionalism of farmers, Suitably Qualified Responsible Persons in Licensed Merchant stores and pharmacists, while complying with the framework set out in the Regulations. That farmers in Northern Ireland will continue to access their anti-parasitic products (doses) without veterinary prescription. To avoid a two-tier system on the island, the Minister for Agriculture must take on board the views of the majority of stakeholders in resolving this issue. That IFA does not support taking away the sales of veterinary medicines from vets. Vets are important in maximising competition in the supply of these products and economically viable veterinary practices are needed throughout the country to provide a service to farmers. He said all parties must be facilitated in active involvement in parasite control nationally. To highlight the advice of the HPRA, which recommended the importance of the involvement of all stakeholders in the provision of advice and guidance in parasite control to achieve better and more appropriate use of these products. To welcome the Minister's decision to defer implementation of the prescribing requirement for anti-parasitic products until June 1st, 2022. To highlight that the deferment is an opportunity to develop an approach that allows farmers avail of maximum competition in the supply chain, and that prescribing is not influenced by commercial interests. To highlight that there must be a system put in place that rewards farmers for implementing best practice in the use of anti-parasitic products and ensures the active and ongoing involvement of licensed merchants, co-op stores and veterinary pharmacies, all of whom will be edged out of the market without changes to the intended approach.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Pat Farrell IFA Animal Health Chair

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (2-5)

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Jackie Cahill TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Martin Browne TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Matt Carthy TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Collins TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Fitzmaurice TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Joe Flaherty TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Paul Kehoe TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Brian Leddin TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael Ring TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Victor Boyhan Senator (Seanad)

Lynn Boylan Senator (Seanad)

Paul Daly Senator (Seanad)

Tim Lombard Senator (Seanad)

Denis O'Donovan Senator (Seanad)

Barry Andrews MEP (European Parliament)

Billy Kelleher MEP (European Parliament)

Chris MacManus MEP (European Parliament)

Ciarán Cuffe MEP (European Parliament)

Clare Daly MEP (European Parliament)

Colm Markey MEP (European Parliament)

Deirdre Clune MEP (European Parliament)

Frances Fitzgerald MEP (European Parliament)

Grace O'Sullivan MEP (European Parliament)

Luke "Ming" Flanagan MEP (European Parliament)

Maria Walsh MEP (European Parliament)

Mick Wallace MEP (European Parliament)

Seán Kelly MEP (European Parliament)