Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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75. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when live music in venues will recommence; the guidelines that will apply to musicians and venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15240/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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On 19^thJune, the Government, having considered the expert public health advice provided by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), approved the rephasing of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Apart from some exceptions, the reopening of most sectors was brought forward to Phase 3, which began on Monday 29th June. This includes theatres, concert halls, music venues and other culture outlets. Gatherings of up to 50 people indoors or 200 people outdoors are currently permissible when conducted in line with public health advice. However, specific recommendations apply in relation to singing, choirs and the playing of musical instruments in groups. These are available for review at

Phase 4 of Roadmap is due to commence on 20 July, subject to public health advice and Government approval. Gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors will be permissible in this phase provided social distancing and relevant public health advice is adhered to.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol 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 employees the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. The Protocol is available at .

The Health and Safety Authority, which is an agency of my Department, is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the National Return to Work Safely 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 understand the impact that the pandemic is having on the social and cultural life of citizens right across the country. I know that employers, employees and the self-employed in the live music and entertainment sector want to get back to organising events for larger audiences than are currently permitted due to the public health risks associated with COVID-19. I wish to assure all in this sector that I will work with my Government colleagues to secure further details and clarity as we progress through the final phase of the Roadmap and beyond. It is important to note, however, that all decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions will be informed by the public health advice at the time.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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76. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the sanctions for employers that do not follow the published return to work safely protocol, for example, failure to provide masks or to facilitate social distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15372/20]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The national Return to Work Safely Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to comply fully with the necessary COVID-19 public health measures identified by the HSE and the Department of Health. It operates in parallel with existing statutory workplace health and safety requirements. The Protocol clearly sets out for employers and employees the steps that they must take both before a workplace reopens and on an ongoing basis.

The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency in monitoring compliance with the Protocol. In this regard, any employee who has concerns about compliance can contact the Health and Safety Authority Workplace Contact Unit (WCU) on a confidential basis at 1890 289 389 or by sending an email to wcu@hsa.ie. If following such a complaint, there are serious concerns about a particular workplace, the Health and Safety Authority, or another agency or tasked with inspecting workplace compliance with the Protocol, will follow-up as appropriate.

In order to achieve compliance with the Protocol the Health and Safety Authority can use its powers under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. Under this Act there is a suite of enforcement powers ranging from Improvement Directions, up to and including, Prohibition Notices, which an inspector can serve where there is evidence of breaches of legislation. However, any initial engagement with an employer is carried out with the aim of achieving required outcomes through consensus and collaboration e.g. advice, Reports of Inspections (ROI). However a failure to comply with a ROI is an offence.

As part of the whole of Government approach, 500 inspectors from across the public service system are now monitoring adherence to the Protocol as part of their own normal inspection duties and are supplementing the work of the Health and Safety Authority. These resources are drawn from the Workplace Relations Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the cohort of Environmental Health Officers.

In addition to inspections, the Health and Safety Authority continues to provide advice and support to employers and employees on how they are implementing the COVID-19 measures in the workplace through its helpline and website and it has developed checklists and templates for use by employers, workers and worker representatives, and further material is being developed.

Separately, I would add that, overall, the Health and Safety Authority has noted a high level of compliance with the Return to Work Safely Protocol, to date, across all sectors which is a positive indication that the majority of employers and employees are taking a responsible approach to compliance with the Protocol.