Written answers

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that will be taken to assist towns and retailers to prepare for the reopening of the economy; the guidance on the type of easing of restrictions that is being planned for the next review of Covid-19 measures on 5 April 2021; if there is a return to level 4 as per the framework for living with Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15209/21]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I understand this is an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses across the country and I would like to thank them for their efforts at this difficult time. By each of us following the spirit of the rules and working together we can hopefully ease some restrictions soon.

S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 and S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 () clearly sets out the temporary restrictions under Level 5. A list of essential services can be found at and the list of essential retail outlets at Level 5 can be found at .

Under Level 5, only essential retail outlets will remain open and all measures in Level 5 will stay in place until at least April 5 2021. Further information can be found on .

COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead  which can be found on , sets out the approach to the next phase, which is subject to ongoing review and taking into account the evolving epidemiological situation.  All decisions taken by Government on the timing of any lifting of restrictions are informed by the public health advice at the time.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ‘The Work Safely Protocol’ incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces. The Protocol is available on www.gov.ie. The HSA 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 addition, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have also produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie

The Government has introduced a wide range of supports to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and they can be found on the Department’s website .

In relation to towns, the Programme for Government has committed in outline to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy, modelled on the scheme developed by the Scottish Government, and informed by the Town Centre Living pilot initiative overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This includes the implementation of a strategic approach to town centre regeneration by utilising existing buildings and unused lands for new development.

In accordance with this commitment, a TCF inter-Departmental Group (IDG) has now been established to consider the regeneration of our towns and villages. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are represented on the IDG. The Department of Community and Rural Development and the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government are co leading on this initiative. It is anticipated that any recommendations forthcoming from the TCF approach will be developed over the coming months.

It is important to monitor gov.ie for the latest information, public health advice and guidelines from Government in relation to COVID-19.

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