As the Minister is probably aware, an outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in County Carlow. This flock of about 500 birds will have to be euthanised. We need to see adequate compensation packages for farmers affected and biosecurity measures must be stepped up. As a preventative, I am calling for a housing order to be implemented as we know wild birds play a huge role in spreading avian influenza. We saw this recently in Fota Wildlife Park. I call on the Government to introduce an adequate compensation package for businesses like Fota that have had to keep their gates closed and for poultry farmers for loss of earnings. Will the Government put a housing order in place now?

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. First, I extend my sympathy to the flock owner affected in Carlow. We have a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km zone in place, as is procedure. At noon today, I announced the introduction of a housing order in consultation with my colleague in Northern Ireland, the Minister, Mr. Muir. That will take effect in Ireland from next Monday because we need to allow time for our flock owners and commercial operators to put housing in place. We will work across areas. We are aware of the challenges for Fota Island. We want Fota Wildlife Park to be able to continue to care for the animals in that space. I remind the public that we are in a time now of higher risk of avian influenza. The migratory birds have landed here and are carrying it. We need the public to be very aware not to handle sick or dead birds but instead to report them to local and regional veterinary offices. We stand ready to support our poultry sector. The introduction of this poultry order coupled with the biosecurity measures are key measures to protect our poultry stock and captive birds.