The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has carried out 23 inspections in meat factories over the last two weeks – 22 of which were unannounced.

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the COVID-19 response Michael McNamara welcomed the news provided by Minister for Health Simon Donnelly on 26 August.

However, he noted that the figures marked a significant jump compared to previous figures provided by HSA CEO Sharon McGuinness on 13 August.

Criticism

At that time, the inspection body came in for fierce criticism when it emerged that just nine inspections – out of 39 – were unannounced in meat plants since the start of June.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that while the HSA came under the aegis of the Department of Business, both authorities had been working closely together and he was able to provide the figures.

I want to see as many inspections as possible to make sure that the high-risk workplaces in particular are compliant with the protocols

When asked if more HSA inspections were needed in meat plants Minister Donnelly said that was a question for his colleague Minister Leo Varadkar.

However, he did give his personal view as Minister for Health: “I want to see as many inspections as possible to make sure that the high-risk workplaces in particular are compliant with the protocols that have been put in place and my preference is for unannounced inspections for obvious reasons.”

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