With the increasing incidence of bird flu in the wild bird population and, more recently, a fourth turkey farm, it is a concern for flock owners and people who have an interest in wildlife. Will the Minister give an outline of the level of testing that is being conducted and the support that will be there for people whose livelihood has been impacted by the restrictions and the outbreaks?

Sentiment score: 0.32

Poultry farmers are obviously concerned. Where there are outbreaks, even where there are restrictions, it is challenging and very difficult for poultry farmers. There needs to be a realistic support or compensation package in place. As the Minister said, Fota Wildlife Park has been closed since October. It is losing out on income. It has also lost some of its birds. The impact on staff, people around there and the wildlife is significant. Has the Minister engaged with them? What kind of support will be available and relevant to the likes of the wildlife park? I know that a lot of the emphasis on compensation packages up to now has been on situations where a cull has taken place in a commercial setting. What level of engagement has the Minister had? What opportunities will be there for the likes of Fota Wildlife Park?

Sentiment score: 0.15

The compensation package is very focused on the commercial sector where a cull has taken place. The example I outlined of the wildlife park does not fit neatly into that situation. Thankfully, a minimal number of birds will be lost there. However, there are many other instances where the restrictions themselves are putting a cost on the likes of poultry farms. They have to keep a house warm when they do not know how quickly a new flock will be coming in. There are costs associated with the restrictions. The Minister needs to look beyond the immediate package that is there for compensation where there is a cull. Four instances have emerged on turkey farms. There is the obvious question that so many people want the Minister to reassure them about. Will there be turkey available for Christmas?

Sentiment score: 0.13

I took the opportunity yesterday to meet with Macra na Feirme to discuss its concerns around the new CAP and the impact it would have on farmers and on rural communities. Its members were particularly focused on generational renewal and knowledge transfer, and the CAP was key for funding generation renewal plan. Will the Minister give members of Macra na Feirme assurance that funding will be available for generational renewal and that action will be taken on implementing that plan?

Sentiment score: 0.40