Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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971. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department will engage with a park (details supplied) in County Cork, to provide short-term financial assistance or promotional support following its closure arising from avian influenza restrictions; the existing support mechanisms for regional tourism assets affected by such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59256/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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972. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider the establishment of a contingency fund or emergency assistance scheme to support non-commercial tourism, educational, and conservation institutions, such as a park (details supplied) when closures are imposed for public or animal-health reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59257/25]

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 971 and 972 together.

My Department has responsibility for implementation of the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 440/2003) which deal with the inspection, licensing and regulation of zoos. These Regulations give effect in the national context to the EU Zoo Directive (Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 of the Council of the European Union).

Fota plays a vital role in global conservation of biodiversity, as a centre of learning and a place where lifelong memories of families and children are made. My Department will continue to engage with Fota as it addresses this extraordinary situation.