Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding the procedures in place to deal with an avian flu outbreak; if new initiatives have been put in place by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40531/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has developed comprehensive contingency arrangements to deal with any case of avian influenza in wild birds or any outbreak in poultry. These arrangements are kept under constant review with a view to updating them to take account of new developments that arise.

I have recently signed new Regulations which provide the most up-to-date legislative basis for actions to be taken in the event of a case or outbreak of avian flu. These new Regulations give effect in Irish law to three pieces of EU legislation, two of which replace existing legislation introduced earlier in the year while the third gives effect to a European Council Directive.

This update of legislation is indicative of my determination to maintain a proactive approach and reflects my commitment to being fully prepared to deal with any eventuality which a case or outbreak of avian flu might bring. It also reflects the increased risk associated with the autumn/winter migratory season which is now underway.

My Department is continuing to ensure that it and other relevant bodies are fully prepared and equipped to deal with any case or outbreak and will further refine its preparedness along with other parties to reflect the new legislation. There are currently no outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the EU and the immediate risk to Ireland is therefore low.

I am satisfied that my Department is adequately prepared to deal with any case/outbreak of avian flu which may arise here in the coming months.