Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response

Covid-19: Impact on the Fiscal Position

Ms Dawn Holland:

I do not want to be overly prescriptive on specific measures that might be introduced. We talked earlier about investment measures which could provide targeted temporary support to the economy to boost economic activity in the short term and which may also work towards some of our longer-term goals. For example, it was mentioned that advantage might be taken of the spare capacity in the construction sector to achieve higher energy efficiency standards in buildings, to expand electrification or to develop renewable energy. Such a measure could be used to provide some short-term stimulus to the economy. The key thing is trying to preserve or re-establish relationships between firms and employees. While employees have had to stay out of the workplace, many have become unemployed and have lost that connection. Some have retained their positions through the wage subsidy schemes but have been out of the office. Maintaining and strengthening those links and bringing firms and employees back together is crucial. That is what we wish to see.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.