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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Questions (83)

Bríd Smith

Question:

83. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections by the HSA of meat plants since level 5 Covid-19 restrictions were put in place; the measures taken to ensure the safety of workers in this sector and that there is no renewed outbreak or clusters in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35082/20]

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Written answers

Since the introduction of level 5 restrictions on the 21 October 2020 the Health and Safety Authority has carried out 13 inspections of meat processing plants, with 146 inspections since the 18th of May 2020. Of the 146 inspections, 116 were unannounced and 30 were announced. There have been no announced inspections since early August.

In addition, Inspectors for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have completed over 476 Return to Work Safely Protocol inspections on behalf of the HSA, including unannounced inspections and these inspections are ongoing.

Inspections by the Health and Safety Authority involve engagement with on-site personnel including management, health and safety advisors, COVID-19 Lead Worker Representatives, safety representatives and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials.

The Health and Safety Authority is also a member of the National Outbreak Control Team dealing with the COVID-19 outbreaks at meat processing plants. Local Outbreak Control Teams have been working with the employers and employees of affected facilities to control and reduce the spread of infection. These multi-agency teams are led by HSE Public Health departments. HSA Inspectors also liaised pre- and post-inspection with the Chair of the relevant Local Outbreak Control Team to ensure effective planning and feedback.

The Health and Safety Authority has reported good engagement from and co-operation with plant management during inspections while responding to outbreaks.

NPHET, the HSE and other Government agencies continue to closely monitor the situation regarding outbreaks in meat processing plants. I am advised that improvements have been made, where needed, in the sector.

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