There are no plans to bring in legislation granting the Government powers to forcibly close meat plants over Covid-19 outbreaks. While the Government has powers to close pubs and restaurants under Covid-19 emergency regulations, it has no such powers for meat plants or other businesses. Meat plants have been the site of several outbreaks since the start of the pandemic and have attracted criticism for their treatment of workers. A handful of meat plants closed temporarily during the lockdown of Kildare, Laois and Offaly but they did this on a voluntary basis. “A number of meat plants have also suspended operations for a period of time in line with public health recommendations.

Source: The Irish Times September 28, 2020 15:53 UTC