To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for his assessment of the current number of vets in Northern Ireland; and (ii) what steps he is taking to increase this provision.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs does not hold data on the number of vets in Northern Ireland. However, as part of the recent Strategic Investment Board (SIB) analysis, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons indicated that of 26,056 MRCVS’s currently registered in the United Kingdom in 2021, 916 were registered as resident and / or practising in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture has no specific role in the provision of vets, however, given the reports of a local and national supply shortage, and the heavy dependence of our Northern Ireland agri-food industry on an assured supply of vets. I commissioned the Strategic Investment Board to undertake an Assessment of Need in terms of the local veterinary work force, and a local veterinary education and research establishment.

The report will be shared shortly with a Steering Group for their consideration on next steps. The Steering Group membership includes Causeway Coast and Glens Council, University of Ulster and Queens University.