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Animal Diseases

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (840)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

840. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of poultry flocks impacted by an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza in 2020 by county, that will benefit from the one-off financial support scheme announced by him in tabular form; the amount that will be provided in total and on average to each farmer; the basis on which the funds will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15717/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The outbreak of the low pathogen H6N1 strain of avian influenza affected 14 poultry flocks in the period between 10 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. All affected flocks were located in Country Monaghan. This particular strain of avian influenza (subtype H6N1) has no food safety implications, but does impact on flock productivity.

While there is no legal basis for a mandatory compensation scheme under EU legislation in respect of the particular subtype of the disease identified, a once-off financial support scheme has been established. Any of these affected flock owners are eligible to apply and subject to meeting the criteria as laid down in the terms and conditions for this one scheme will receive ex gratia payments at a maximum rate of €10,000 per flock owner. Terms and conditions including application forms are available on my Departments website and applications for the above referenced flock owners will be accepted until the deadline of 31 July 2020.

Full details are at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/otherfarmersschemes/schemeoffinancialassistanceforavianinfluenzaoutbreaksoftheh6n1subtypeinpoultryflocks2020/

I want to acknowledge that the flock owners in question have taken the correct action in depopulating their flocks for the greater good of the sector. In light of the significant economic impact this has had on their business, I am pleased to be able to provide some assistance towards the costs of depopulation which they have incurred.

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