Dáil debates

Thursday, 30 April 2020

Covid-19 (Agriculture, Food and the Marine): Statements

 

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I alluded to this point in previous questions. We are aware of six clusters within the meat processing industry. We have direct staff and contracted staff in those operations who work closely with management and the HSE. I am assured that all steps are being taken. The import of the Deputy's question seems to be that management in these companies would in some way jeopardise the ongoing production of their own plant operations. The primary concern in all of these cases is the safety of employees in plants and citizens in the country generally. Where there are issues of concern, companies work with the Department and local HSE officials to deal with them. I am aware testing has been carried out on workers because of co-operation with the HSE and management and that is as it should be. This is a pandemic. People get infected by one source or another.

8 o’clock

Plants have responded by reducing throughput and implementing social distancing, putting in place Perspex screens and introducing a host of initiatives that are appropriate in various different workplaces, including those relating to the meat industry. That is as it should be. We are involved in an industry that is critical to the food supply chain and keeping supermarket shelves stacked, but not at the expense of putting the workers in jeopardy. I am assured by the information I have in my Department, as well as the staff working in those places and their co-operation with management and the HSE, that everything is being done in the first instance to protect workers.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.