Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020
22. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if manufacturing industries will be allowed to continue to operate if Ireland goes to level 5 restrictions as some of these manufacturers would have overseas contracts to fulfil with strict timeframes attached to these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31791/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided that, as of midnight on Wednesday 21st October, all of the country will be placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID with a small number of exceptions.
This action is based on current public health advice, the deteriorating situation with the disease across the country and the Government’s objectives to support families by keeping schools and childcare facilities open, maintaining non-Covid health services and protecting the vulnerable.
Level 5 restrictions will remain in place for a period of 6 weeks.
Essential retail and essential services will remain open.
Guidance published by the Department of the Taoiseach on what comprises Essential Services includes the following services relating to Manufacturing:
(a) the manufacture, production or processing of food and beverage products;
(b) the manufacture, production or processing of animal feeds;
(c) the manufacture of work-wear apparel, personal protective equipment or footwear;
(d) the manufacture of wood pulp, paper and paperboard;
(e) the operation of sawmills and the processing of wood and cork;
(f) the printing and reproduction of newspapers and other media services;
(g) the distillation of coke and refined petroleum products;
(h) the refining of alumina;
(i) the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products;
(j) the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and preparations;
(k) the manufacture of products necessary for the supply chain of essential services;
(l) the manufacture of products necessary for national and international supply chains, other than such supply chains referred to in subparagraph (k);
(m) the manufacture of computers, electronic and optical products (including semi-conductors);
(n) the manufacture of electrical equipment, machinery and other equipment (including agricultural and forestry machinery);
(o) the manufacture of medical devices or appliances;
(p) the manufacture of medicinal, health, dental and other personal hygiene products, equipment, appliances and supplies.
Physical attendance at workplaces is only permitted for those providing essential services where such services can only be provided in person and cannot be delivered remotely. It does not include administrative and other support for such businesses and services unless specified in section 13 and the physical presence of a worker is required.
Essential purposes for travel (permitted outside 5k limit) includes travel to and from work, where work involves providing an essential service.
Full details are available at https://merrionstreet.ie/MerrionStreet/en/News-Room/News/Ireland_placed_on_Level_5_of_the_Plan_for_Living_with_COVID.html.
