Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has discussed with her EU counterparts the various precautionary measures undertaken by the EU member states to prevent the spread of avian influenza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3698/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The subject of avian influenza has been an agenda item at all Agriculture Council meetings over the past number of months and I have participated fully in all discussions on the issue. I have also attended GAERC Council meetings when the matter has been discussed by EU Foreign Ministers.

In addition, my officials have been participating in a range of meetings at EU level on avian influenza, including very regular meetings of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, SCoFCAH, as well as meetings of chief veterinary officers. These meetings and the constant attention which avian 'flu is receiving have resulted in a wide range of precautionary and safeguard measures being taken at EU level and these complement various other measures which I and my Department have introduced at national level.

Furthermore, significant progress was made over the past six months or so, at both official and political level, in adopting a new EU avian influenza directive.