Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The beef tribunal in the 1990s examined allegations of political influence in relation to alleged abuses of the system and failure of regulatory authorities. Its conclusion highlighted widespread improper relationships between the beef industry and Government. A shocking set of scandals was uncovered and virtually nothing happened. No one was held to account and public trust was totally eroded. If we fast-forward to today, for months journalists have reported that workers are frightened to speak out about their horrendous working conditions without anonymity for fear of retribution. We have known since before May that this situation was likely to occur due to national and global trends and the unique setting in these workplaces that put them at greater risk of clusters of Covid-19. It is physically impossible for staff to be 2 m apart in many plants.

Not one improvement or prohibition notice has been issued in the light of inspections. The meat industry is still worth billions of euros and yet the budget set aside for inspections in comparison to this is a pittance. Of the 15,338 meat plant workers, 8,896 are migrant workers. The non-EU workers are bound to their employers by their work permits. Some 90% of workers get no sick pay so they are of course more likely to turn up for work if they have symptoms of Covid-19. There has not been a ban on subcontracting in this sector.

The Minister for Health has said that he personally thinks that factories with clusters should close. The Tánaiste has said that the power exists under the public health legislation for the HSE to order businesses to close and yet this did not happen.

Our Government has closed down entire counties and hundreds of businesses but somehow lacks the power to close plants with confirmed clusters. That these plans have since voluntarily closed is irrelevant at this point.

History has shown us that this industry has very considerable political clout and that the Government has turned a blind eye to the industry’s scandalous failings in the past. Objectively, it is completely unreasonable to ask other businesses where there have been no outbreaks to close while allowing the main source of these clusters to remain open. It speaks volumes about the powerful interests that control the sector and raises questions about some of their political connections today. Does Mr. Carroll believe that the industry should be given the special treatment it has been afforded so far and does the industry still have close relationships with members of the Government and strong political influence?