Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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731. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken further to the imposition of disease control measures following a suspected case of avian influenza in the North of Ireland; the compensation available to farmers should a cull be mandated in the South; the timeframe in which impacted farmers could be expected to be paid any such compensation under such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54763/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been quick to take action in light of the suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak near Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This includes close engagement with Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, convening a meeting between my Department and poultry industry stakeholders, and issuing a technical update bulletin to stakeholders on avian influenza. My Department continues to closely monitor the situation.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of HPAI. 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. My Department has procured through a tender process the services of a firm with specialised knowledge of the poultry industry to compile poultry valuation tables to assist with calculating compensation rates, should the need for such compensation arise. The timeframe for compensation payment is contingent on the provision of supporting documentation regarding the culled animals.

Ireland is currently in the higher risk period (October to April) for the introduction of avian influenza. I urge flock owners to observe strict biosecurity as this remains the number one method in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease, and to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Regional Veterinary Office. All poultry holdings should be registered with my Department, regardless of size.

Additional information avian influenza can be found on the Government website: www.gov.ie/birdflu

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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732. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer with a TB restricted herd can sell cattle directly to a controlled finishing unit with no conditions attached, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the 30-day TB test window (details supplied); if marts will be allowed to operate under the same conditions as a farmer selling direct to a feedlot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54767/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I published the Bovine TB Action Plan, “Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland”, on 9 September. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are five measures, which are underpinned by 30 actions:

1. Support herds free of bTB to remain free
2. Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
3. Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
4. Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
5. Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB