Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2021
173. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of HSA inspections of meat processing plants that have been carried out for compliance with Covid-19 regulations since 1 January 2021; the number that were unannounced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween the 1 January 2021 and the 10 December 2021, the Health and Safety Authority completed 253 inspections of meat processing plants, of which 250 inspections were unannounced.
Health and Safety Authority inspections are predominantly made without prior notification, however in some exceptional circumstances prior notification may be appropriate, for example, in support of Public Health management of an outbreak, advanced notification may be required for operational reasons.
Based on the inspections, Health and Safety Authority inspectors have observed a generally high level of compliance with the recommended measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in a workplace context, in line with the Interim Guidance issued by the National Outbreak Control Team.
The Health and Safety Authority is a member of the National Outbreak Control Team dealing with the COVID-19 outbreaks at Meat Process Facilities. Local outbreak control teams work with the employers and employees of affected facilities to control and reduce the spread of infection. These teams are led by HSE Public Health departments and are also multi-agency, with representatives from environmental health, occupational health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Health and Safety Authority inspections involved engagement with on-site personnel including management, health and safety advisors, COVID-19 Lead Worker Representatives, safety representatives and DAFM officials. Inspectors also liaised, pre-inspection and post-inspection, with the Chair of the relevant local outbreak control team to ensure effective planning and feedback.
The Health and Safety Authority also continues to support and work with public health experts in dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks in the meat plants and food processing businesses.
