MLA Swann calls for ‘vet school’ in Coleraine

Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Member and Chairman of the Stormont Committee for Employment and Learning, has pressed the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on what resources she will make available for the establishment of a School of Veterinary Science at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine Campus.

Assemblyman Swann, the UUP Chief Whip, is also a Past President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, urged the Farming Minister to consider a new vet school in a written question to her.

In her response to Mr Swann, the Minister stated: “I am very supportive of the proposal and have written to the University of Ulster confirming that support. My Chief Veterinary Officer has also given his support to the proposal.

“I am aware that should the proposal to go ahead, there could be some involvement for the staff and facilities at CAFRE and AFBI. I would be supportive of this in principle.

“However the extent of any such engagement cannot be firmed up until there is a definite decision on the proposal from the Department of Employment and Learning, and a clearer view emerges on the details and time-lines of any likely involvement.

“For now, the decision on the proposal is a matter for the Department of Employment and Learning,” the Farming Minister told Mr Swann.