Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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682. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the announced cull of mink will take place in line with the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43481/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department continues to engage with the farm operators in order to manage next steps in this process.

From a public health risk management perspective, my Department has conducted testing on mink on all three farms, with the most recent tests on 7^thDecember. All tests were negative for Covid 19.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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683. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the biosecurity protocols in place on mink farms generally; if these protocols have been expanded with regard to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43482/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Following on from the Report of the Fur Farming Review Group in 2012, a Code of Practice was adopted by fur farmers to promote sound welfare and management practices for the farming of fur animals. Bio-security is key consideration and essential requirement at all times, of that code of practice.

My Department conducts veterinary and agricultural inspections, including unannounced inspections so that additional confidence can be gained in respect of compliance with animal health, welfare, environmental requirements and greater security on the fur farms.

My Department is carrying out routine screenings for COVID 19 on mink farms, most recently on 7th Dec. There have been no COVID 19 cases found on mink farms to date.

Bio-security is a critical consideration and essential requirement for all Mink farms in Ireland.