Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
374. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if assistance can be provided to a representative body (details supplied) in drawing up operational guidelines for reopening indoor play centres in the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12017/20]
View answerThe Government, having considered the expert public health advice provided by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), approved the rephasing of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business on 19 June. Apart from some exceptions, most sectors are now being brought forward to Phase 3, beginning on Monday 29 June. Full details are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/
Under the rephased Roadmap, all indoor and outdoor amenities for children can reopen on 29 June.
My Department continues to contribute to the considerations around rephasing of the Roadmap and I welcome the clarity this brings for business. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html.
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
As we move forward on reopening of society and business, it is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of the remaining restrictions will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
