Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that adequate procedures are in place to protect against the spread of avian flu to this country especially in view of the recent warning from the food and agriculture organisation that the virus causing bird flu may be impossible to eradicate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14181/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Avian influenza is a serious, highly contagious viral disease of poultry which can also spread to other animals and occasionally to humans. EU legislation to control avian influenza is laid down in Directive 92/40/EEC. In brief, this directive requires that all suspected cases of avian influenza must be investigated and appropriate measures taken in case of confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI. To limit the spread, infected poultry must be killed in a humane way and disposed of safely. Feeding stuffs, contaminated equipment and manure must be destroyed or treated to inactivate the virus.

The EU has also enacted legislation placing an embargo on imports of poultry and certain poultry products from the affected Asian countries — Commission Decision 2004/122/EC — and also suspending the import of pet birds from south east Asia — Commission Decision 2004/93/EC. Further bans are in place for Canada and the United States.

Under Article 17 of Council Directive 92/40/EEC, each member state must have a contingency plan "specifying the national measures to be implemented in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza". Among other things, the plan provides for access to facilities, equipment, personnel and all other appropriate materials necessary for the rapid and efficient eradication of the outbreak. Ireland's plan also gives details on movement controls and procedures to be followed in the investigation of a suspect premises. Ireland's contingency plan is currently being updated in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children. In addition, operational and other aspects are being reviewed and various elements are being updated.

The European Commission has submitted proposals to update the current Community legislation on this disease with a view to improving prevention and control, reducing the health risks, the costs and losses and the negative impact to the whole of society of avian influenza. The first meeting of experts of member states to discuss the Commission's proposal began yesterday and is continuing today.