Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to be here today in place of Deputy Michael Collins who kindly facilitated me.

I represent the Laois-Offaly constituency, which has been very badly affected by this issue. We are very frustrated. We believe the lockdown was completely unjustified and that the constituency is being punished for the inaction of the national outbreak control team and the Government in getting to grips with the problem in meat factories. That is the outline of this.

I have two questions. My first is for Mr. Healy. There is huge concern among farmers. Farmers and workers have been treated very badly by the meat factories. I have been very consistent in saying that and I say it again today. They have been very badly treated. The price of beef has slightly improved and not before time. I want assurances that this crisis will not be used as an excuse to cut the price of beef for beef and suckler farmers. They cannot take any more hits and I want assurances on that from Mr. Healy. What is Meat Industry Ireland doing to ensure that this does not happen because we need to protect our producers and workers?

My second question is on the 24 hour testing time, which I welcome. Does MII agree with the Government's approach that the duration of the testing should be four weeks? I suspect it should be much longer than four weeks because we saw 828 cases of Covid in meat factories in May and we now have well over 1,400. I want to know what MII's views are on the duration of testing. I also want a response to my query on farmers.

Is the fact that an employer cannot contact the HSA directly if there is a Covid case in a plant a barrier and an obstacle ? It is very clear that we have not got to grips with this problem and other people, constituents and regions are suffering as a result.