Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
84. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in relation to cross-Border shopping trips in view of the respective Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/20]
View answerAs Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment, I have engaged with my counterparts in Northern Ireland at meetings of the North South Ministerial Council in July and November. We discussed measures in place to support communities and businesses on both sides of the border but did not specifically discuss cross-border shopping trips.
Retailers in Ireland are key partners in the effort to suppress the virus and are playing a critical role in the national response to COVID-19. Government are fully engaged with the sector and aware of their efforts to serve their customers and adhere to public health guidelines.
I and my colleague Minister of State Damien English TD met with the Retail Forum members on 21 October to remind those in the retail sector, of the need for strict adherence to the public health guidelines during Level 5. Minister English has continued to convene regular retail meetings.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The National Return to Work Safely Protocol’ provides a guidance 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 on www.gov.ie. The HSA 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 addition, the National Safety Authority of Ireland have also produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector ‘COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide’ and one for Shopping Centres ‘COVID-19 Shopping Centre Recovery and Protection Guide’. Both documents can be found on nsai.ie.
Government Departments, local authorities and agencies were firmly focused on ensuring a smooth, safe and enjoyable reopening of non-essential retail on the 1st December. In tandem with this my Department held extensive and constructive engagement with retailers and shopping centres in developing and promoting the governments shop safely message.
