Written Answers Nos. 1-2
1. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to reopen applications for work permits for dairy farm assistants in early 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6144/21]
View answerThe employment permits regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages, however, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and that the shortage is a genuine one.
In order to ensure that the employment permits system is responsive to changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions, it is managed through the operation of the critical skills and the ineligible occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit. The lists are subject to twice yearly reviews which are evidence based and are guided by research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS, a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department. Account is also taken of contextual factors such as Brexit and, in the current context, COVID 19 and their impact on the labour market.
In May 2018, following consideration of a detailed business case submitted by the sector, a pilot quota-based scheme was introduced to remove the occupations of horticulture worker, meat processing operative and dairy farm assistant from the ineligible occupations list. This pilot scheme allows workers from non-EEA countries to access employment opportunities. To date this pilot scheme has proved very successful for a range of employers in the sector. The quota for dairy farm assistant has now expired, with all 150 permits issued.
Last month, Minister of State Damien English TD, engaged with the Irish Farmers Association and Producers on matters relating to employment in the agri-food sector in Ireland.
Consideration of the submissions received in the most recent review is underway. Submissions have been received in respect of this sector and will be considered in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as well as the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, chaired by this Department. The review will be finalised in February 2021.
2. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the HSA has conducted an inspection of a meat processing plant (details supplied) to ensure recently arrived workers here are being facilitated by the company to quarantine in line with public health advice prior to commencing work at the plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/21]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority does not disclose information regarding inspections at specific workplaces.
However, the Health and Safety Authority has carried out an extensive inspection programme which has focused on all meat processing plants which are registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I understand that the meat processing plant which is the subject of the Deputy’s question is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
From the 1 January 2021 to 29th January 2021, the Health and Safety Authority has completed 50 inspections of meat processing facilities and over 239 inspections of Meat Process Facilities since the 18 May 2020, which include those connected with COVID-19 outbreaks. In addition, as of 22 January 2021, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) inspectors completed 645 COVID-19 inspections on behalf of the Health and Safety Authority in DAFM-approved food premises, and these inspections remain ongoing.
The Health and Safety Authority has no role in checking or enforcing compliance with public health recommendations regarding the quarantining of individuals arriving in Ireland from another country. However, as part of checking compliance with the Work Safely Protocol, inspections will include checking if the procedures set out in the Protocol for employees returning to work after an absence are being followed.
Of course, anyone arriving from abroad should follow the most up-to-date public health guidance. Information on travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.gov.ie and this information is updated to reflect any new public health measure.
