Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rules in relation to appointment-based shopping for furniture and home furnishing retailers in the current set of restrictions. [21291/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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S.I. No. 168 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) 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, in line with public health guidelines, only essential retail outlets will remain open and the current temporary restrictions in Level 5 will stay in place until at least 4th May 2021. Further information can be found on gov.ie

Under consideration from 4th May, subject to prevailing public health situation, is the phased return of non-essential retail commencing with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example: garden centres/nurseries.

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.

In preparing for reopening, we are asking businesses, including non-essential retailers, to revisit their work safely protocols and their compliance with national health guidelines. 

- 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.

- The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have produced two guidance documents, one for the retail Sector and one for Shopping Centres. Both documents can be found on www.nsai.ie

It is important to note 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. 

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

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