Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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There were six Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 outbreaks in 2021, all of the flocks have been depopulated:

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that I, as Minister, may pay compensation to owners of animals if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item.

Compensation is payable only to the owner of the animals or items affected. Consequential losses are not compensated for.

In November 2021, my Department developed valuation tables relating to the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland.  This work was based on expert advice and input.

These tables are used to quickly and consistently determine compensation payable in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a cull. Since 2017, the valuation tables have been updated twice yearly.

To date, the Department has received seven applications for compensation for animals culled, animal products, animal feed or similar item that was destroyed in these 2021 outbreaks. The Department has issued offers of compensation based on independent valuation to six farmers to date. The other case is currently being processed. Five have been accepted so far and the payments are being processed.