Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
981. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the advisory support available from his Department and State agencies under his remit with respect to contingency planning for business interruptions from Covid-19. [3890/20]
View answerMy Department continues to monitor the evolving situation and is guided by the public health advice of the Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health and the HSE in relation to Covid-19, which is currently in a containment phase in Ireland.
As is prudent, the Department is reviewing its business continuity arrangements in light of this advice.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation's website which contains valuable advice for businesses on preparations they could take now, in order to reduce the impact on their business in the event of an outbreak. This advice is available at the following link:
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Business-Continuity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html# ity-Planning-A-checklist-of-Preparatory-Actions-in-Responding-to-the-COVID-19-Outbreak.html#
My Department is also, of course, aware of the disruption to global trade which has already occurred as a result of COVID-19. This is a particular concern for our agri-food industry which exports the vast majority of its products. Along with our colleagues in the Irish Embassy network, we are monitoring the situation as it develops in our overseas markets and, acknowledging the very difficult and complex situation, will provide every assistance wherever possible.
As my Department does not report on operational matters of its agencies, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them and have asked the agencies to respond directly.
