SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has urged the British government and EU to come to an agreement over veterinary medicines.
He was speaking after a debate in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Mr McGlone called for common sense to prevail and a solution to be found.
Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said, “The continuing issues around veterinary medicines coming into the North are the result of the failure in negotiations between the EU and a Tory party more interested in tearing itself apart. What we need to see is a long-term sustainable solution that recognises the importance of these medicines to people across the North and the futility of putting extra costs and obstacles in place.
“Without a resolution we will see the loss of the only licensed salmonella vaccine for cattle and the most widely used salmonella vaccine for poultry risks causing a public health emergency. We simply cannot have that. These issues have the potential to impact the number and variety of veterinary medicines available here, as the increased costs involved may prove prohibitive to manufacturers.
“Any solution will require compromise, but there is still time for this to be resolved before grace periods end. Where there is such a serious risk to public health, conciliation needs to be the priority at this point rather than playing silly political games and I would urge the DAERA Minister to take that message to both the British government and the EU.”
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