Jennifer Whitmore
Question:85. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when pubs can organise and host live gigs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15914/20]
View answerTuesday, 14 July 2020
Questions (85)
Written answers
On 19th June, the 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. Apart from some exceptions, the reopening of most sectors was brought forward to Phase 3, which began on Monday 29th June.
Pubs and hotel bars operating as restaurants have been able to open since the 29th June, subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice. Full details are available at www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/
Fáilte Ireland has worked in consultation with the industry to develop detailed and practical guidelines to assist pubs in reopening and they are available at https://covid19.failteireland.ie/business-supports/business-reopening/pubs/guidelines-for-re-opening/
These guidelines will be regularly updated in line with Government public health advice as and when this advice evolves.? This includes any further guidance that is given following work by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and NPHET on the application of the existing social distancing requirements in specific, defined and controlled environments in the hospitality industry during periods of low incidence of the disease.
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 employees 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 National Return to Work Safely 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/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country, particularly those in the hospitality and live entertainment sectors. I know that employers, employees and the self-employed want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition.