Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 April 2017
682. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put in place a fund to support persons who are effected by the drop in eggs sales in view of recent reports of avian influenza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17982/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra683. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put in place a public health information campaign to inform the public that eggs for sale in the Irish market are fit for human consumption to combat the drop in sales of eggs in view of the recent avian influenza reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17983/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra684. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason free range poultry farmers have been advised to take birds indoors in efforts to combat the spread of avian influenza; his plans to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17984/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra685. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a decision has not been made by his Department to lift the precautionary measures being taken by poultry farmers to combat the spread of avian influenza on the instruction of his Department, which have been lifted at a European level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17985/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 682 to 685, inclusive, together.
On 23 December 2016 this Department announced the introduction of regulations under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 requiring flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control in a secure building to which wild birds, or other animals do not have access, and to apply specific bio-security measures. This is the first time such action had been taken by this Department, and this was based on the increasing threat of introduction of avian influenza, following the confirmation of cases in wild birds in Great Britain (in particular in Wales).
On 8 March the decision was taken that the Regulations would remain in place until 30 April. This announcement was made in order to give the poultry industry some certainty on the issue, to allow companies to plan for adjustments necessary to comply with marketing requirements.
The decision to maintain the period of confinement to 30 April was made after taking account of:
- the epidemiological situation in Ireland - 12 cases of the H5N8 strain of avian influenza were confirmed in 4 different wild bird species in 10 locations in 6 counties over the period 30 December 2016 to 24 February 2017
- advice from ornithologists with regard to migratory patterns of the affected wild bird species,
- the ability of the virus to survive in the environment.
One of the objectives is to protect poultry flocks from the introduction of avian influenza, and thus maintain the OIE Avian Influenza free status of Ireland. This will ensure Ireland’s continued access to third country markets for poultry and poultry products.
The decision reflects a careful assessment and evaluation of the information and data specific to Ireland and is in the best interests of the poultry industry in Ireland.
In relation to confining birds during high-risk periods, it is up to the Competent Authority in each Member State to assess the risks in their country. It is not a decision made on a European-wide basis.
My Department has not been made aware of any significant reported decrease in egg sales as a result of the current Avian Influenza restrictions, but is monitoring the situation and will consider all options available. It should be noted that Bord Bia has also made itself available to the sector to engage in promotional activities at this time.
