Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has accused Minister Creed of having a ‘total hands-off approach’ to Covid-19 outbreaks in meat factories. Deputy Kerrane was speaking during statements and questions with the Minister for Agriculture in the Dáil on Thursday last.
Deputy Kerrane said: “It is very concerning that before Monday of last week not one inspection was carried out in a meat factory, despite complaints being made.
“What is worse is that neither Minister Creed or the Minister for Business Heather Humphreys could say how many inspections have since been carried out in meat factories, this figure according to both Ministers is confidential. In fact, Minister Humphreys went as far as to say that she didn’t need to know.
“Minister Creed has continuously said that putting safety protocols in place to protect employees is a matter for meat processing plants however, he too has a responsibility. Outbreaks at plants not only impact the individual employee concerned but their family and the entire community.
“Unfortunately, recent weeks have shown that the disregard factories have shown for farmers for a very long time is, in some cases also shown to employees.
“We need to see a ramping up of inspections at meat processing plants to ensure the health and safety of all employees, their families and their communities. I also believe that the Health & Safety Authority should release figures on the number of meat processing plants they have inspected given that these inspections only began last week. This information should be made available,” Deputy Kerrane concluded.
