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The Taoiseach, Ireland’s leading minister and health doctor faced the arrival of 190 fruit pickers in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Yesterday it was learned that a plane loaded with workers was flown to Dublin airport from Sofia in Bulgaria after being hired by the Keelings fruit farm to pick strawberries.
When asked if he was comfortable with the disclosure, Dr. Tony Holohan, the Medical Director, bluntly replied, “No.”
He added: “I didn’t know. It’s not consistent with public health councils.”
The CMO said it did not want to see any trips to Ireland other than the return of citizens and people essential to supply lines and vital equipment.
Health Minister Simon Harris also expressed deep concern about the charter flight.
(Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie)
Simon Harris said that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar shared his concerns.
“I am deeply uncomfortable with this, I don’t think the idea of renting planes right now to bring people into our country is a good idea,” said Harris.
“At one point we asked people to socially distance the idea that a leased plane, which they cannot socially distance themselves from, would enter our country is something that makes me feel uncomfortable.”
In a statement seen by RTE, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I share the discomfort expressed by the Medical Director over the report of a large number of people who came to Ireland earlier this week to work in the horticulture sector.
“We need to keep our airports and ports open so that essential goods and workers can enter and leave the country and Irish citizens and residents can return to their homes.
“However, we must keep the trip to a minimum and ensure that passengers are interviewed on arrival and that quarantine is observed.”
Keelings has faced widespread criticism due to strict public health measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Several opposition TDs have criticized both Keelings and Ryanair, who operated the flight.
In a statement, the Irish government said seasonal workers are critical to the agricultural sector.
A government spokesman said the Irish border is still open.
“The government is aware that a chartered flight brought 190 people to Ireland this week for fruit picking work,” the statement said.
“The Irish border, including airports, remains open to support the essential cargo and essential worker supply chain as well as the repatriation of our citizens.
“Seasonal workers are critical to the agricultural sector in terms of harvest, planting and care functions, especially in the current season.
“The Department of Agriculture, Food and Navy has been working closely with the Department of Employment and Social Protection Affairs to ensure that employers are aware of the supports to companies to help them obtain labor from the national economy.
“A national recruitment campaign will begin shortly with the aim of recruiting large numbers of seasonal workers for the live log horticulture sector in Ireland. This campaign will be scheduled for the peak of the fruit harvest in mid-May and mid-June and the harvest of vegetables from mid-June.
“Anyone arriving from outside Ireland must comply with the Department of Health guidelines regarding Covid-19 requirements and restrict movement for 14 days.”
In a statement, a Keelings spokeswoman said: “As a family business, Keelings recognizes people’s concerns and fully understands the reasons for these concerns.
“We also recognize that our communication to the public should have been faster and more detailed during this Covid-19 crisis.
“During Ireland’s main fruit and vegetable season, April to October, we employ seasonal horticultural workers for the harvest, about 900 during the season.
“This is a demanding job that requires a high level of product skill and knowledge.
“On Monday, April 13, 189 seasonal workers flew on a charter flight from Sofia to Dublin. They had all been examined by a doctor before traveling to the Sofia airport, where the temperature was checked before entry.
“Ryanair and Dublin Airport can confirm that all regulations were followed. They were taken directly to their homes.
“According to HSE guidelines, they are unable to work for 14 days after arrival and their movements are restricted.
“We will take care of these colleagues in the same way that we take care of all our people, permanent or temporary. They will be subject to more medical examinations before starting work at Keelings.”
A Ryanair spokeswoman said: “This was a charter flight for a private company. Ryanair complied with all regulations established by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and WHO (World Health Organization) on these special flights. “
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