Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
94. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rationale for the decision taken regarding the operating of children’s indoor play areas under level 3 of the Living with Covid Plan. [41582/20]
View answerI am keenly aware that businesses are making a massive sacrifice to protect their communities and I am committed to ensuring that the Government will offer as much assistance and support as possible.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out the five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be guided by advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so. My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
A wide range of stakeholders including employers, unions and representative groups were consulted and their advice formed part of the considerations when drawing up the Roadmap. It is a living document and Government has the ability to amends its plans depending on the circumstances existing as we progress through each phase. It will be subject to regular review in the context of the progression or suppression of the disease in Ireland or new guidance or research that emerges from other sources.
These decisions are not taken lightly, and I am acutely conscious of the impact it is having on businesses. That is why since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has worked to support businesses through this difficult time with a comprehensive range of measures for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. For a full list of supports for business please see https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
