Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response to focus on re-opening the economy

TDs will hear from health experts and business representative groups, over three sessions throughout the day.

• Representatives from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET): Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, Dr. Cillian De Gascun and President of Maynooth University, Professor Philip Nolan will appear before the Committee at 11am.
• Ibec Chief Executive Officer, Danny McCoy and ISME Chief Executive Officer, Neil McDonnell will appear at the second session of the meeting at 2pm.
• Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Officer, Julie Sinnamon and Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) Secretary General, Orlaigh Quinn will appear before the Committee at 4.30pm

Speaking before the meeting, Committee Chairman, Michael McNamara TD said: “We look forward to hearing from NPHET experts on the current public health guidelines in place as restrictions are eased and retail outlets begin to open their doors to the public.

“The Committee welcome representatives from Ibec and ISME to hear, the impact the State’s response to Covid-19 has had on businesses to date and the changes required to operate safely under public health guidelines in order to protect staff, customers and suppliers.  We look forward to hearing from Enterprise Ireland and DBEI on the programmes and supports available to businesses to help them to adapt and evolve in the current challenging climate.”

The witnesses will appear in the Dáil Chamber and by video link from Committee Room 1.

Watch the Committee live here.