Paul McAuliffe
Question:42. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a business (details supplied) can open under level 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/20]
View answerWednesday, 16 December 2020
Questions (42)
Written answers
The Government’s Living with COVID-19 Plan recognises the need for an overall incremental approach which take account of the societal and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the varying responses required.
The Living with Covid-19 plan sets out how businesses should operate at five different levels. The Country is, at present, at Level 3. Under Level 3 restrictions no organised indoor gatherings (i.e. controlled environments with a named event organiser or owner or manager) should take place. While gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open they can only do so for the purposes of individual training, with protective measures in place. Also, since 1 December, changes have been made in respect of cinemas, galleries and museums over the Christmas period.
The Health and Safety Authority has no role in determining what businesses can open under any particular level of the Living with COVID-19 plan nor “approving” the re-opening of a business under any level. The role of Authority is as the lead Agency in co-ordinating inspections checking compliance with the Work Safely Protocol for those businesses that have re-opened in line with the different levels.
I would add that any business can check the detailed guidance available on the Gov.ie website so as to determine which category which it falls into within the different levels.