The IMB’s Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) is a committee of eminent expert scientists appointed by the Minister for Health, on the advice of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The members of the committee are appointed on the basis of their knowledge or expertise in veterinary medicines, food safety, public or animal health or related subjects (view membership list). Members of the ACVM are bound by the IMB’s code of conduct regarding confidentiality and independence.

The ACVM has a general statutory role in providing advice to IMB staff in relation to scientific matters concerning veterinary medicines brought to its attention. It has a specific statutory role in providing advice to the IMB’s Board when it proposes to refuse an application for authorisation of a medicine or a manufacturer. The committee will complete an independent evaluation of matters brought for opinion without regard to the initial evaluation completed by IMB assessors. The chairman of the ACVM may invite IMB employees or other persons to attend committee meetings for particular items in order to assist the committee in reaching an understanding of the matters under discussion. These attendees are not part of the ACVM and are not entitled to vote or partake in any decision of the committee. Any opinion of the committee to refuse or suspend an authorisation must be considered by the Board of the IMB for final decision.

The ACVM has a non-statutory role in peer-reviewing assessments of veterinary medicines which have been undertaken by the staff of the IMB’s Veterinary Medicines Department. In addition, the committee:

• Reviews major decisions and national policies pertaining to the regulation of veterinary medicines in Ireland
• Maintains an awareness about EU and international developments and standards on the regulation of veterinary medicines
• Considers reports on veterinary pharmacovigilance matters