The situation in meat processing plants will be the first topic for discussion when the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response meets tomorrow, 13 August, in Leinster House.

Five organisations are due before the committee to discuss the situation in the affected plants. These include the Department of Agriculture, the Health and Safety Authority, Meat Industry Ireland, ICTU and SIPTU.

Three separate sessions have been scheduled, commencing at 10am where the situation in meat processing plants is to be discussed, followed by an examination of the State’s response to the recent spike in coronavirus cases, and finally the implications of a “zero-COVID” island policy.

Major impact

Speaking in advance of the meeting committee chair Michael McNamara said: “The committee has been monitoring the ongoing situation regarding meat processing plants, and primarily the impact on those who work in the plants, and of course the wider community.

“The people of counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly have clearly been impacted in a major way since last Friday night, and an update on measures from relevant stakeholders including five key national organisations is most welcome as the committee assesses the most up to date information.”

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Three separate sessions have been scheduled, commencing with the situation in meat processing plants.