Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Daly for asking this question. Under level 5 of the plan for living with Covid-19, only essential retail outlets will remain open. The regulations clearly set out the temporary restrictions and it is important to reinforce the point that they are temporary. The regulations list the essential services and retail outlets under level 5 that can open.

Level 5 does not restrict people from purchasing any product, including Christmas trees and wreaths to which the Deputy referred. All products are available and can still be purchased depending on their seasonal nature. It does, however, restrict people from physically entering non-essential stores. We try to discourage people from unnecessary shopping journeys for their own safety and to stop the spread of the virus. We recognise, as the Tánaiste said, the pressure that this has put the retail sector under and that this is a very difficult for retail businesses, whether local producers or otherwise. It is difficult, which is the reason we are working with the sector to support it and help it through this very difficult time. Businesses are also encouraged to follow the regulations and laws in the spirit of protecting customers, staff and the community.

Mixed retailers have been asked to separate their stock and only sell the items that are essential.  While seasonal or religious decorations for Christmas should not be purchased physically in stores, customers can continue to purchase them via online or phone ordering for collection and delivery. I emphasise that there is the option to pick up the phone and make an order. Many local suppliers are offering this service and have adapted their business in recent months to prepare for Covid and Christmas. All those products are available either online, through click and collect, click and delivery or phone order. Naturally, we are trying to encourage much more delivery, where possible, but the option to collect is also available. All the goods the Deputy mentioned can be sourced in the weeks and months ahead.

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