To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will introduce specific funding mechanisms and incentives to support the establishment of a veterinary school in Northern Ireland, given the high costs associated with veterinary education.

Policy concerning the supply of locally trained graduates to support the veterinary profession has not been led by my Department. However, as autonomous bodies, the universities have the discretion to offer any course, including veterinary subjects, from within existing student numbers and funding allocations. My Department is open to working in partnership with the universities to consider the funding implications of such an initiative should a relevant proposal be forthcoming.