Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
