To ask the Minister for the Economy whether education around animal welfare is being linked to career paths in veterinary science.

In relation to the six Further Education colleges specifically, the veterinary and animal management provision incorporates animal welfare and animal science subjects delivered through a combination of theoretical, practical and experiential learning. Throughout the relevant curriculum, there are specific units relating to animal welfare, health and ethics which can be applied to a range of career pathways in veterinary science.

It should also be noted that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has overall responsibility for the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise and hence may be able to provide further information.