To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any recent discussions with universities in relation to the progression of a business case for a veterinary school in Northern Ireland.

The supply of veterinary surgeons is the policy responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and not within the remit of my Department.

I have not had any recent discussions with the universities regarding a business case for a veterinary school here.

As autonomous bodies, the universities have the discretion to offer any course, including veterinary subjects, from within existing student numbers and funding allocations.