Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
190. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a trade (details supplied) and the current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32796/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 is a cross-government approach to managing and living with the pandemic over the next 6 – 9 months.
This action was based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country and the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-Covid health services and protecting the vulnerable. Level 5 restrictions will remain in place for a period of 6 weeks. Essential retail and essential services will remain open.
Guidance published by the Department of the Taoiseach on what comprises Essential Services is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Businesses should carefully review the essential services list above and determine whether they can operate or not under the current restrictions. It is not necessary for businesses to seek official authorisation.
Physical attendance at workplaces is only permitted for those providing essential services where such services can only be provided in person and cannot be delivered remotely.
Essential purposes for travel (permitted outside 5k limit) includes travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service.
Details of the wide range of COVID-19 schemes and measures for businesses are available on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
