To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in light of media reports regarding COVID-19 outbreaks in meatplants, what interactions he has had with companies operating in the industry in Northern Ireland to prevent similar events taking place here.

Thank you for your question in relation to recent media reports of COVID-19 outbreaks in meat plants and interactions my Department have had with companies operating in this sector to prevent similar events occurring here.

Firstly, I would like to assure you, that, I share and appreciate your concerns around recent media reports regarding COVID-19 outbreaks in the meat processing sector.

In response to, and from the outset of this crisis, my officials have facilitated regular (often daily) meetings between the relevant representative industry bodies, individual food business operators (FBOs), Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI), Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Public Health Agency (PHA). The principal objective of these meetings and associated communications is to ensure that industry are familiar with and implementing the latest PHA guidance which is primarily aimed at ensuring a safe and hygienic working environment for all personnel and minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

These fora have proved hugely beneficial, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with PHA, HSENI and other relevant officials on a range of COVID-19 related control issues including:

Development of site specific risk assessments

Risk mitigation measures and control strategies

Communication strategies and plans

Testing protocols and access to testing

Contact Tracing

Outbreak management plans

Please be assured that my officials will continue to monitor the situation and keep me appraised of any new developments.