Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I fully recognise the difficult and negative impact this is having on the lives and livelihoods of flock owners, particularly at this time of year. It is effectively their harvest period. They are heading into what would have been the time to make good on their year's work, recoup costs and make the little bit of profit that would allow them to exist into next year. That is really challenging. That is recognised.

From a Department perspective, what we have to do right now is limit to the greatest extent possible the spread of this disease. It is about containment in the first instance. In parallel with that, we have to support flock owners and poultry farmers through the compensatory measures set out in the legislation.

The Senator listed a series of detailed questions, the answers to which I will get to him insofar as I can. The information we can release, we will. They are very specific questions. The IFA poultry division is in regular contact with the Department on these matters. If it is a help, I am happy on behalf of the Minister to meet with the Senator and some representatives of the flock owners to help clarify issues. It is recognised by the Government and Department how difficult this issue is for all concerned. We want to work together to limit the spread, try to get this off our books, get a disease-free status and then get back to having unrestricted movement. It is important for us to work with the people most affected at this time. I leave it open to the Senator to come back to me if he wants to meet.