Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason compensation is being denied to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan for the eradication and disposal of a flock of ducks in 2010; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a precedent has already been established in view of the fact that nine other duck farmers received compensation from his Department for having to cull their flock of ducks due to salmonella; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19597/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The EU Food Hygiene regulations place the primary responsibility for ensuring that food is safe for human consumption on food business operators (FBOs). Ducks and eggs infected by Salmonella Typhimurium are not fit for human consumption. Under Statutory Instrument No. 101 of 2008, the movement, sale or supply of poultry and/or eggs from affected premises is prohibited. My department does not operate a scheme of compensation for infected duck flocks.

In 2010 my Department tested known commercial duck flocks for salmonella and a small number of these tested positive. On a strictly once off basis, and on the understanding that the outbreak was limited to these flocks, my Department agreed to a limited, ex-gratia payment as a contribution to the costs incurred by the relevant flock owners. It was clear to all concerned that this payment was once off, that it was ex-gratia in nature, and that it did not signal the establishment of a scheme of compensation for any further infected flocks. In the current circumstances it will not be possible to extend this facility.

Finally, as a result of this outbreak, my Department, in consultation with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the IFA, devised Guidelines for Duck Table Egg Producers, which were circulated to all 'commercial' flock owners. Operators in the sector have been advised that they should take the necessary steps to reduce the risks associated with disease outbreaks, by adhering strictly to these Guidelines and by carefully checking the source of any replacement stock and ensuring they are disease free.