While the establishment of a new veterinary agreement between the EU and the UK has been generally welcomed by politicians and farming organisations, the deal has also drawn criticism from some quarters.
The agreement is aimed at securing the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.
West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer confirmed that two new schemes will be established to support this process.
The Sinn Féin politician added: “I welcome that an agreement has finally been reached which resolves the veterinary medicine supply concerns caused by Brexit.
He said Sinn Féin has “consistently urged both sides to negotiate in good faith” to find practical solutions that protect animal health and welfare, as well as other associated issues.
“The recent reset in relations between the EU and the British government, which has reversed some of the worst impacts of Brexit, is a positive step forward.
“This cooperation must be built upon. It remains absolutely critical that the Good Friday Agreement and all-island economy are protected from any more instability arising from the calamitous Brexit decision.
“Sinn Féin remains committed to strengthening our local economy, representing the interests of workers and families, and ensuring businesses in the north continue to benefit from our unique dual access to both the British and EU markets,” McAleer said.
Veterinary agreement
Commenting on these developments, Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) president William Irvine said: “We acknowledge the considerable progress made in mitigating the risks to veterinary medicine supply, with initial concerns of product discontinuation now reduced.
“This positive development reflects the intensive engagement of both the animal health industry and the government.
“However, even a limited number of critical product discontinuations can still present serious challenges for animal health and welfare, and carry notable economic implications for our farming businesses.”
The UFU president also outlined the union’s aims in relation to product discontinuation.
“Our priority remains to ensure our farmers have the essential tools to manage their herds and flocks effectively.
“We have serious questions regarding the precise figures on product discontinuation and continue to seek clarification from government verses industry indications.”
However, Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party leader, Jim Allister, takes a polar opposite perspective where the new veterinary medicines’ arrangements are concerned.
He said: “It is the EU’s preposterous assertion of sovereignty over Northern Ireland and our agricultural industry which has produced this crisis whereby traditional supplies from Great Britain are being jeopardised.
“Instead of standing up for Northern Ireland, the government has largely rolled over, devoting its energy to encouraging reorientation of our supplies so that they come from the EU, not GB.
“Diversion of trade is obvious, despite the attempt to dress it up as ‘taking the steps needed’ to continue supplies of veterinary medicines.
“Downplaying the deficit of available supply of vital medicines to 10-15% is but an attempt to spare their blushes over letting down a sector within their own country – and this because they have ceded authority to a foreign and intransigent power,” the TUV leader said.
