THE IRISH fruit company Keelings has been wholeheartedly criticised for flying strawberry pickers into the country from Bulgaria, despite the nation's effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Many have labelled the situation a "disgrace" as dozens of workers arrived while the country was still in lockdown.
Keelings reported charted a flight from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, which landed on Monday, carrying what the Dublin-based company called "skilled horticultural staff".
The company released a statement confirming that the staff would "not be asked to work without a full 14 days restricted movement."
Footage emerged of the workers arriving at Dublin Airport, sparking fury and confusion among many on social media.
Many, including Conor McGregor on Twitter this week, questioned why Irish workers weren't being offered the roles, particularly as so many have been furloughed or laid off due to the impact of the pandemic.
Others asked how those on the flight were able to stick to social distancing measures.
Local TD Paul McAuliffe said Keelings had shown "poor judgement" in recruiting overseas workers, particularly at such a high-risk time.
"Members of the public have contacted me with real concern at images online of large numbers of seasonal workers arriving in Dublin Airport," he said.
"These workers have all clearly travelled more than the 2kms from their home and while the work they carry out may be deemed to be essential, I do not believe that it was essential during this cries to move such a lathe number of people more than 2km and across the continent.
"I am calling on the company to issue a far more detailed statement outlining the precise measures which have been taken to protect the workers and those in our community.
"I simply do not believe that this measure was necessary to save the fruit crops from spoiling.
"Given the historically high level of local unemployment, the desire by many people to be active and the national spirit to work together, it was not beyond the company's ability to harvest their crop in another way.
"Keelings are a very valuable local employer and they support many local communities but on this issue, I regret they have shown poor judgement."
