Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, Deputy Carthy mentioned mink farming. Following the initial advice of the CMO, the Department proceeded on the basis that we would proceed with a cull.

The run-up to Christmas is pelting season, when approximately 80% of the mink in the country are pelted. We engaged with the farmers to indicate that there would be no breeding afterwards, we would bring forward primary legislation in this regard and, in the meantime, we would closely monitor risk from a testing point of view. In recent days, the CMO made clear the risk from a variant is no longer a priority from his point of view and that there was no need for a cull from a health point of view. Regardless, we intend to proceed with the programme for Government commitment to bring mink farming to an end.

With regard to the comments of Deputy Fitzmaurice and the Chairman on the plastic levy, I am certainly examining it and I will take on board their suggestions and feedback and consider them.