Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

These questions are important because we know these centres are the source of considerable outbreaks that arguably led to more restrictions being put in place. Earlier this week, for example, it emerged that two workers from the ABP factory in Clones had contracted and tested positive for Covid-19. It then emerged those cases had been confirmed ten days ago but testing was only taking place this week. Throughout all that period the factory has been operational.

A similar situation occurred in Cahir on County Tipperary where it emerged this morning that as well as the initial cases, there have been 22 further Covid-19 cases. One can appreciate the absolute anxiety occurring within the counties in which these sites are located because of the experience of Kildare and other counties.

When it emerges that a positive case has been detected in a meat factory, does the HSE consider itself under any obligation to inform the public?