Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
143. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the need for a defined plan for reopening retail business; his views on whether there is a need for a reopening plan as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18175/21]
View answerI understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and their customers across the country and would like to thank them for their continued support of the national effort through this unprecedented public health crisis.
Under Level 5, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4th May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie
The decision to move to full scale Level 5 was not taken lightly and all factors were considered.
S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021 (https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/)
clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/60ecc-essential-retail-outlets-for-level-5/
Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead which can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/,
sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.
In preparing for reopening, we are asking businesses, including non-essential retailers, to revisit their work safely protocols and their compliance with national health guidelines.
- The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. 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.
- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be informed by the public health advice at the time.
The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
