2677. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason egg-laying flocks were inspected in 2025: the percentage that the inspected number is of the entire national flock; if he will comment on his Departments work to ensure adequate care during collection, packing and transport of the birds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60599/26]

My Department is the Competent Authority responsible for the enforcement of EU legislation with regard to egg laying flocks. Responsibility for compliance with the requirements of legislation rests with the Food Business Operator.

To verify that egg laying flocks are meeting the requirements of the legislation, my Department carries out a risk-based official control programme in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which is implemented through a risk-based inspection programme. For the calendar year 2025, 86% of egg laying sites were inspected.

With regards to poultry catching and loading of birds, strict welfare protocols are in place and which are overseen by my Department. The process follows highly standardised steps to ensure biosecurity and bird welfare. This includes for manual catching teams, made up of competent trained operatives work in darkened sheds to keep the birds calm and automated harvesters with a focus on ensuring bird welfare at all stages.