Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measure being taken to ensure the safety of birds here (details supplied). [31732/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has taken a range of measures aimed at minimising the risk of the introduction of avian influenza into the country. The Department is constantly reassessing the level of risk and will continue to introduce such measures as are proportionate to that level of risk. To date, bans have been placed on the importation of live birds and specified poultry products from countries affected by outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza. In addition, the European Commission has introduced a ban on the importation of captive birds into the Community and controls on imports of pet birds.

Last week, I signed two statutory instruments providing for the registration of all poultry flock owners, including owners of racing pigeons, the reporting of all unusual or unexplained patterns of mortality among poultry flocks, and an immediate ban on the collection of poultry and captive birds for poultry markets, shows, exhibitions and cultural events, other than under licence. In addition to these legal measures, my Department has also updated and reissued biosecurity measures to flock owners which, if followed, will also help to reduce the risk of introduction of disease.

My Department has an early warning system in place which operates with the assistance of the national parks and wildlife service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and BirdWatch Ireland. My Department also participates fully in the annual EU avian influenza survey, which includes a survey of both domestic poultry and wild birds while our laboratories also screen all samples received for avian influenza. These extensive measures play a central part in ensuring that any outbreak of avian influenza will be detected early. Conscious of the potential role of migratory birds in introducing the disease, much of our focus is placed on early detection and speedy eradication of the disease.

Our approach at all times is one of vigilance as well as being measured in our response. That response will continue to be informed by our assessment of the risk level at any given time and we will continue to introduce such additional measures as are proportionate to that risk and as are appropriate in an Irish context.