Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The commentary about my colleagues is the Deputy's view. The substantive issue about the 67 inspectors is important. The Deputy is right that 67 is not an adequate number with the volume of work that we need the HSA to do. I am pleased to let the Deputy know that my Department will provide approximately 200 environmental health officers to supplement the HSA's work. We will make sure that they work with the HSA to incorporate compliance with the protocol in its usual programmed inspection activities. The environmental health service is responsible, among other things, for enforcing food legislation, hence its relationship with the food businesses. Approximately 45,000 food businesses in the country fall into that category. Further consideration is also under way with regard to an appropriate public health support to the HSA. We have significantly increased the number of people working to make sure the protocol is implemented.

I believe on-site inspections at meat factories are very important for public health and I am pleased that they are now happening. I am also pleased that there is a national outbreak control team. I have spoken to the clinician who leads that team. I am also pleased that between 55% and 60% of people in meat factories who had Covid-19 have recovered and returned to work. I look forward to that number increasing further.

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