Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
497. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if guidance will be provided regarding the reopening of businesses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9731/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out 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.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is a useful guide 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 as they prepare to re-open in accordance with the Roadmap. The Protocol 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. It is available at
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html.
The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, 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.
I met recently with members of the hairdressing and beauty industry via teleconference and understand that preparatory work is being undertaken by the hairdressing sector and others in developing guidelines and safety protocols, with reference to the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. I requested that, where sectors are developing protocols or guides, they should work together to align this work. For example, barbers' representative bodies should collaborate with hairdressers representative bodies on a single aligned protocol for their sector. I am keen to support sectors on their safe reopening on this aligned and collaborative basis and should the hairdressing sector and the beauty sector wish to send me details of their sectoral protocol, I will be happy to convey these to the Minister for Health.
With regard to the pub sector, I met with representatives of the Vitners’ Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vitners Association last week by video conference. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the re-opening of the pub sector within the context of the Roadmap. Both bodies provided feedback on the Government supports that are currently available and outlined their proposals for additional supports. I agreed to consider these proposals in consultation with my Government colleagues as we seek to unlock the restrictions that are currently in place and re-open our economy.
The Department of Transport Tourism and Sport continues to liaise with other Government Departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs. A Tourism Recovery Taskforce has been established to produce a Recovery Plan containing actions which will help the sector to get back on its feet and begin to recapture the ground lost due to the pandemic. The Taskforce has an independent Chair and comprises representatives from Government, the tourism agencies and the industry.
Pending further announcements on the sectors that can re-open under Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap, businesses are being advised to read the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as they prepare to re-open.
It is also important to highlight the comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes which have been put in place by Government in order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19. These supports include the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities, all of which are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.
I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. 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 under Phase 1 of the Roadmap and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses, including those in the sectors referred to, as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap.
It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.
