Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for being present. I will ask the questions first and then get the answers.

What measures are being taken to address the fact that some workers are without a PPS number, which holds them back from claiming the Covid payment? How many staff have received full payment from MII members while self-isolating for Covid reasons? How many staff of MII members receive family income support from the State? Why, as stated by RTÉ, are staff reluctant to speak publicly about their work conditions and how Covid has impacted on them?

Air conditioning in meat factories is very similar to aeroplanes. Has a report been conducted on that and could it be a factor? Crowded accommodation and communal transport have been key factors in the spread of the virus in other plants around the world. What measures have been taken to deal with those issues? Given the large presence of non-national workers in this industry, what communication measures are in place for people who cannot communicate effectively? Is there a translator in every plant? Are warnings written in a number of languages? How many plants are currently undertaking mass testing on a regular basis? I believe the Government is meeting today about putting in place regular testing. That is important. I welcome the measure. I firmly believe there needs to be a lot of unexpected inspections in plants.

What communications have MII members sent to retailers to reassure continuity of supply for retail buyers and international buyers? In last Saturday's Irish Farmers' Journala Carlow farmer stated that he believes product price will drop as a result of plant closures. Could MII give a guarantee that farmers will not be hit by the plant closures in order to maintain the profit margins of the meat plants?

Recently, there were restrictions - some call them closures - of the Laois and Offaly borders. From the first speakers I understand there are more than 149 plants in the country. There has been major confusion about the restrictions in Laois, Offaly and Kildare. In my area, part of Graiguecullen is in Laois and part is in Carlow and businesses had to shut down because of the restrictions. We all need to work together, first, to make sure that health and safety are a priority for everyone and, second, so that we are not in a position again where businesses are closing. At the moment some of them do not know whether they will reopen. I thank the witnesses and look forward to their responses.