Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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405. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received for compensation as a result of avian influenza from 2020 to date in tabular form; the number of successful applications; the number of successful applicants that have since received their compensation in full to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18043/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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There were a number of outbreaks of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in early 2020. Although there is no legal ground for a mandatory compensation scheme in respect of this particular subtype, my Department agreed to establish a once-off ex gratia financial support scheme to provide some support to those affected.

The deadline for receipt of applications was 31^stJuly 2020. All affected flock owners were eligible to apply and were eligible for support, subject to meeting the criteria as laid down in the terms and conditions for this once-off ex-gratia support scheme. Thirteen applications for the scheme were received and all 13 applications were successful. Payments of these ex-gratia supports to flock owners were issued in late November 2020.

In December 2020, there was one outbreak of notifiable Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8. Three flocks were depopulated on foot of this outbreak – the infected flock and two additional risk flocks as a precautionary measure. Compensation for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is provided for in legislation and is progressing in relation to these flocks.