Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
609. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the EU regulation pertaining to the movement of seasonal workers to different countries from within the EU; if guidance has been issued at EU level in view of Covid-19 in this area; and the steps taken to ensure that workers laid off due to the pandemic are given the opportunity to take up such employment should they wish. [6429/20]
View answerI would advise the Deputy that EU/EEA workers do not fall within the policy remit of my Department.
The European Commission on 30th March 2020 issued guidelines on the free movement of critical workers, including those in agri-food.
I am advised that officials of my colleagues, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection are working closely on a recruitment campaign to support enlisting a large number of temporary workers for the Horticulture sector from the live register. This campaign is underway and timed for the fruit harvest peaking mid-May to Mid-June and Vegetable harvest from Mid-June.
