Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has welcomed the announcement that Ulster University’s Coleraine campus will begin offering veterinary nursing degrees.

The party’s agriculture spokesperson said:

“With the demand for veterinary workers growing, it’s welcome news that Ulster University (UU) has established a new veterinary nursing degree.

“This announcement marks a vital step forward in providing students with real-life skills in animal health.

“The introduction of this course will also be welcomed by farmers and pet owners who rely on veterinary services and the provision of local veterinary nurses.

“Also beginning later this year, UU will offer an ‘animal healthcare and practice’ part-time degree, allowing already-registered veterinary nurses to up-skill and gain greater expertise in their profession.

“I hope these courses will ultimately encourage more people to choose to stay and progress their veterinary careers here, rather than feeling they need to go abroad to do so.

“Let’s continue working together to give our young people the best possible opportunities on the island of Ireland, enabling them to realise their full potential here at home.”