Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications submitted under the EU avian flu package; when these compensation payments will be made; her views on whether the poultry industry is under pressure and needs all the support it can get; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40688/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 110 applications were submitted to my Department by the 29 September deadline under the compensation measures introduced for poultry producers due to the fall-off in consumption arising from concerns in regard to avian influenza. My Department is processing the claims, including conducting on-site inspections, and will pay those that are eligible as soon as possible. The industry is experiencing certain pressures including competition from imported product along with the costs of complying with new environmental protection and welfare legislation. My Department is establishing a group of experts to examine the various factors impacting on the poultry industry here and to establish what actions can be taken to meet the challenges and realise its full potential. One issue which I have been pressing for at EU level is country of origin labelling for all poultry products.