Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1446. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide emergency financial support to a park (details supplied) in County Cork, following its temporary closure due to confirmed cases of avian influenza; the supports available to protect animal welfare, retain staff and sustain operational costs during the biosecurity shutdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59255/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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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 eligible for compensation.

My Department has been providing expert guidance and support to the management and staff in relation to the park referred to in dealing with this outbreak, including in relation to protecting animal welfare.

I have introduced mandatory biosecurity measures for poultry and captive birds nationwide which came into effect on 1st November to reduce the risk of avian influenza. Details specifying the actions required can be found on the Government website at www.gov.ie/birdflu