Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
658. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prescriptions generated on the national veterinary prescription system since its establishment in January 2025; and to provide a breakdown of the number dispensed from merchant co-ops and from veterinary practices. [32622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra659. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of prescriptions generated but not entered on the national veterinary prescription system since 1 January 2025. [32623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 658 together.
The National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) commenced on the 13th January 2025. To date, 92,959 prescriptions have been generated on the NVPS.
The number of prescriptions dispensed from merchants is 89. The number of prescriptions dispensed from veterinary practices is 90,176. The discrepancy between the total prescription figure and the ‘prescriptions dispensed’ figure has been reviewed and is due to vet errors in using the system. It has been confirmed that these prescriptions have been dispensed by veterinary practices.
The upregulation of antiparasitics to Prescription only Medicine, will occur on the 1st September 2025. These products do not currently require a prescription, and as such they are not currently prescribed or dispensed using the NVPS.
My Department does not have oversight or access to information regarding the number of prescriptions issued by veterinary practitioners in Ireland outside of the NVPS.
