"The analysis and identification of the best potential options is expected to be complete before the end of the year." Agriculture minister Edwin Poots.

Agriculture minister aims to increase long term supply of vets.

The BVA has responded to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) announcement that it has commissioned an analysis of options to deliver a more secure, long term supply of vets for Northern Ireland.

DAERA’s announcement follows discussions with the vice-chancellors of Ulster University (UU) and the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) to discuss the possibility of developing a veterinary school for Northern Ireland.

In a statement NI agriculture minister Edwin Poots said: “This analysis will be taken forward by officials working with the Strategic Investment Board, under the joint oversight of the Department’s Chief Veterinary Officer and senior representatives from the two universities.

“The analysis and identification of the best potential options is expected to be complete before the end of the year.”

BVA Northern Ireland branch president Mark Little commented: “We warmly welcome the announcement of this options review which demonstrates how much the Executive values the role of the veterinary profession in the success of Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry.

“Across the UK we are seeing real problems with veterinary capacity. We’re already working across the sector to increase recruitment into the veterinary profession and improve the retention of our colleagues across all areas of veterinary medicine.

“Opening a new vet school in Northern Ireland presents opportunities to encourage young people from our local community to pursue a veterinary career as well as building on our strengths in veterinary research into animal health and welfare and public health. We look forward to engaging positively with the options analysis on behalf of our members.”