Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In reopening the economy, all steps must be taken to ensure we remain conscious of the need to minimise the spread of Covid-19. We must all accept that we will have to live with Covid-19 for the foreseeable future.

On the guidance that has been worked on for the past seven weeks by the HSA and the HSE, businesses need to know by this weekend what they need to do to prepare to open. As the Minister rightly stated, the HSA is advising and inspecting businesses on physical distancing. What advice was given to companies such as meat processing facilities? The Dáil has been told that there is a significant problem in several such plants.

Companies do not have the resources to fund the measures that need to be taken with respect to sterilisation, physical distancing within the workforce, staff training, health and safety and PPE. They need financial assistance.

That has to come in the form of grant aid, not loans. Will the Minister give a commitment on that?

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