The Mart Managers of Ireland (MMI) organisation has been in intensive talks with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss the possibility of holding auctions when health restrictions are to readdressed in May.

The mart managers’ representative organisation outlined that discussions have been ongoing over the past two weeks regarding how matters shape up on Tuesday, May 5.

“We are delighted to see some progress being made and will work very hard over the next two weeks to reach a safe workable agreement with our friends in the Department of Agriculture who have been very helpful,” MMI chairperson Eimear McGuinness said.

In the discussions, the mart managers’ association outlined a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP)  aimed at meeting two key objectives, namely: to ensure that public health is protected; and to ensure that the food supply chain is not disrupted.

The SOP focuses on essential sales only, meaning a prioritising of stock that the food supply chain requires, including prime stock, cull animals and stores.

Measures have been drawn up for buyers and sellers separately as part of the SOP, the MII notes.

Meanwhile, procedures to ensure the adherence of social distancing are also set out for the removal of stock after the auction, while strict staff protocols are included in the overall SOP.

Finally, general measures conclude the SOP, with canteen facilities set to remain closed, communal area seating to be removed and a moratorium on third-party traders or stalls at this time.