Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
168. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some large department stores (details supplied) are selling non-essential items in breach of current public health restrictions; the steps he will take in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 4 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/
Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, it does however restrict people from physically going into non-essential stores. This is to stop people making unnecessary journeys, congregating and browsing for non-essential goods, to limit the spread of the virus.
Under the current temporary restrictions while click and collect of non-essential retail items is no longer permitted, click or phone and delivery can continue.
Under consideration from 4 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.
We are asking retailers to comply with the current COVID-19 regulations. In particular, we are asking retailers with mixed retail offering which have discrete spaces for essential and non-essential retail to ensure the strict separation of relevant areas.
An Garda Síochána are engaging with retailers and enforcing the regulations where necessary.
Retailers can and have made arrangements, on compassionate grounds, for individual customers to urgently purchase a non-essential item in store. This is only in exceptional circumstances where it is not possible to plan ahead and avail of remote ordering services such as in emergencies.
We are asking retailers to exercise their best judgement and common sense on a case by case basis, to ensure those requiring urgent access to a non-essential item are accommodated.
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.
All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.
I meet regularly with Retail Forum members and representatives from the retail grocery and distribution sector to assess adherence to the public health restrictions.
It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.
