Mr. Philip Carroll:

The answer to the first question is "Yes". All protocols were developed in conjunction with the companies. Committee members must remember that there are different site circumstances in each situation. The comprehensive set of guidelines covered all of the variances across the board.

Second, my understanding is that the HSA site inspections are undertaken on the basis of advance notice. That was the decision of the HSA and was in no circumstances influenced by any pressure that we may have put on it, which we did not. It was a clear situation. The HSA, in attempting to comply overall with the protocols, probably did not feel it appropriate to arrive at a site where there was a potential for Covid to spread. In essence, the HSA decided that it was better to notify plants that it was coming rather than to appear on their doorsteps.

There is also a permanent presence of departmental veterinary inspectors in all meat plants. They are there all year round, every day. As somebody once said, if there is a light on in a meat plant, there is a veterinary inspector from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine present. As far as we are concerned, it is entirely a matter for the HSA whether its inspections are announced or unannounced. It is entirely irrelevant to the meat plant operation in which circumstances the HSA decides to arrive for an inspection.