My Department has developed comprehensive contingency arrangements to deal with any case of avian influenza in wild birds or any outbreak in poultry. These arrangements are kept under constant review with a view to updating them to take account of any new developments that arise. To that end, we are conscious of and particularly vigilant during the autumn/winter migratory season, during which the risk of the introduction of the disease increases. I have recently signed a number of Statutory Instruments to ensure that we have at our immediate disposal the necessary legislative powers to deal effectively with any case/outbreak of avian ‘flu. In addition, my Department is continuing to maintain close contact with those other State and non-State agencies on whose assistance we might rely, e.g. An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the Civil Defence and the Farm Relief Service. We have, at all times, received the full support and commitment of all those agencies whose assistance we have requested.
I am satisfied that my Department is adequately prepared to deal with any case/outbreak of avian flu which may arise here in the coming months.