Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

112. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that restrictions in place to prevent the further spread of HPAI H5N1 are effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66679/25]

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

117. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the bird flu crisis across the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66743/25]

Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

133. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken by his Department to contain the spread of avian influenza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66729/25]

Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

144. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of avian influenza in the State; the measures his Department is taking to support poultry farmers and mitigate the risk of further outbreaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66636/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 117, 133 and 144 together.

Since early November, there have been four outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by the H5N1 virus in turkey flocks in counties Carlow, Meath, Monaghan, and Laois.

My Department has been implementing disease control and eradication measures in line with the EU Animal Health Law provisions and national legislation. This includes the placing of 3km radius protection zones and 10km radius surveillance zones around each holding where an outbreak has occurred, and implementing surveillance and disease control measures within these zones.

Prior to this, an outbreak of HPAI occurred in a confined establishment in Cork in October, following which that establishment was closed while disease control measures were implemented in line with the legislation.

The H5N1 virus has been circulating in wild birds throughout the country during 2025, creating a serious and ongoing risk of infection to poultry and captive bird flocks.

I introduced mandatory biosecurity measures on 1st November and a housing order on 10th November for all poultry and captive bird owners, with similar measures being undertaken in Northern Ireland. My Department also meets regularly with poultry stakeholders to keep them appraised of this developing situation, with the most recent meeting taking place on 20th November.

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 a HPAI outbreak.

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.

Strong biosecurity remains our most effective tool for preventing the spread of this disease. All poultry and captive bird keepers should remain vigilant of any signs of the disease and to report any suspicion to their local Regional Veterinary Office without delay.

My Department issues regular updates on the avian influenza situation in Ireland and publishes guidance on the Government Website at www.gov.ie/birdflu