Written answers

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Department of Trade, Enterprise and Employment

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment if he will engage with the trade fairs and exhibitions sector in order to work out a way for the sector to reopen in a safe and controlled manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25465/20]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I recognise that the events and exhibition sector is a critical part of the ecosystem for business and commerce in the country, enabling buyers and sellers to meet and develop their businesses.

I am acutely aware of the difficulties the sector has faced in recent months due to the impact of social distancing requirements.

My Department officials are in continuous engagement with the sector and Minister of State Robert Troy TD in my Department is also in ongoing contact with sector representatives.

I am pleased the Government's COVID-19 published last week, 'Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19' specifically deals with this category of organised events and we will continue to work with the sector to progress the development of agreed protocols to enable the hosting of trade events in the near future.

My Department and its agencies have been focussed on coming up with solutions to help businesses overcome the challenges presented by the unprecedented difficulties caused by COVID-19. In that context I welcome contact with the sector regarding their challenges and suggestions.

Details of the wide range of supports available are noted on my Department’s website at .

In the wider context of the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, the operation and reopening of Ireland will be guided by the need to manage risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society, and the implementation of appropriate measures to do so across business and society as the situation evolves.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.