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

I thank the Minister for that response. To put on the record, I continue to support the idea that the food processing sector should have special status in the context of the restrictions that are in place. Of course, that sector needed to operate throughout the Covid-19 period. With that allowance, through even the deepest lockdown period comes a responsibility. The Minister would know of and, I think, at different points, would have shared in my critiques of the lack of transparency and apparent lack of accountability that was occurring within that sector. In many respects, it has been left up to the Minister's officials to be the eyes and ears of the public to ensure that our food is up to standard.

I will ask the Minister one question at this stage in relation to temporary veterinary inspectors, TVIs. The Minister will be aware of this letter that TVIs over 70 years of age have been asked to sign which, essentially, waives any health protections to which they might be entitled. I wonder if the Minister could tell me how many TVIs have signed this letter since the Covid period began.

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