Written answers

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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426. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to meet with an association (details supplied) to discuss measures to maintain public health compliance; her plans to reopen the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8348/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out five stages for unlocking the restrictions put in place to contain the Coronavirus, at three week intervals. The Roadmap sets out how we can keep the level of transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible while balancing continuing restrictions in proportion with the positive social and economic benefits which will be brought about by businesses reopening. 

I met with the organisation referred to last week via a conference call. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the re-opening of their sector within the context of the Roadmap.

Pending further announcements on the individual stages of the Roadmap, the Government continues to direct business to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is a useful guide for businesses in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures. It sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html. 

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.  If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie. 

In order to assist businesses to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Government has put in place a comprehensive suite of supports for firms of all sizes, which includes the wage subsidy scheme, grants, low-cost loans, write-off of commercial rates and deferred tax liabilities. These supports are designed to build confidence, to further assist businesses in terms of the management of their companies and to allow them to begin looking to the future and start charting a path forward for weeks and months ahead. For a full list of supports for business please see .  

I recognise the impact that this pandemic is having on businesses right across the country. I know that employers and employees want to get back to work and I support them in that ambition, but it must be safe to do so.  My Department contributed to the considerations around the phased re-opening of sectors under Phase 1 of the Roadmap and I will work within Government to secure further details and clarity for businesses, such as the organisation referred to, as we progress through the phases outlined in the Roadmap. 

It is important to note that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions as envisaged in Phases 2 to 5 of the Roadmap will be guided by the public health advice at the time.

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