Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
818. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he has taken to address the lack of capacity in Ireland to slaughter pigs resulting in loss of income for pig farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the labour issues that exist in parts of the agri-food sector, including in meat processing. The Department has regular engagement with the industry on this issue and has facilitated further engagement with the Department of Social Protection in seeking to recruit labour from within the Irish and European labour markets.
The Department has also engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to explore the possibility of further employment permits for certain occupations in meat processing where it is not possible to recruit sufficient labour from within the domestic and European labour pools. These discussions remain ongoing.
I and my officials have also highlighted to the meat processing sector the need to have appropriate labour attraction and retention policies in place, especially as competition for labour grows with the re-opening of the economy in line with the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
