COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Information from across government
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 13 March 2020
- Last updated on: 6 July 2020
- Daily government briefings
- Travel advice
- National-level plans and developments
- Information for businesses
- Information for childcare providers
- Information on the community response
- Information for farmers, fishermen and the food industry
- Information on the justice sector
- Information for schools, preschools and third level institutions
- Information on the transport sector
Daily government briefings
Each daily briefing on the government's response to COVID-19 can be found here.
Travel advice
National-level plans and developments
Government approves details of Restart Grant for Small Businesses
The government has agreed details of a new €250 million Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
Minister Humphreys publishes National Return to Work Safely Protocol
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, has published the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.
The Protocol clearly and comprehensively sets out the steps and processes that businesses must take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Ireland pledges €18 million to support GAVI Vaccine Alliance in fight against COVID-19
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has announced that Ireland has pledged €18 million as part of global efforts to defeat the coronavirus.
The government has pledged €18 million in support of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, for use between 2021 and 2025.
Government outlines further measures to support businesses impacted by COVID-19
The government has agreed, at a special Cabinet meeting, a suite of measures to further support small, medium and larger business that are negatively impacted by COVID-19.
This follows the publication of the government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out a five stage plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy and society.
Government announces 26 new COVID-19 research and innovation projects
The government has announced details of the first 26 projects that will receive €5 million funding under the newly-established national, coordinated research and innovation response to the COVID-19 pandemic, complementing the ongoing research work already underway in higher education institutions.
Minister McHugh announces revised arrangements for Junior Cycle 2020
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has announced revised arrangements for this year’s Junior Cycle.
The decision was taken following recommendations from an advisory group of stakeholders as part of planning for the State Examinations in response to the COVID-19 public health measures and the decision that the Junior Cycle State Examinations will not run this year.
Taoiseach launches #InThisTogether campaign
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has launched a campaign - In This Together - which aims to help everyone in Ireland to stay connected, stay active, and look after their mental wellbeing throughout the COVID-19 emergency.
Government Statement on licensed events
Local authorities have been advised by Government that event promoters should be informed that events requiring licences in excess of 5,000 will not be considered for the period up to the end of August.
Department of Justice launches campaign reaching out to victims of domestic abuse
A major new TV, radio and social media campaign tackling the serious issue of domestic violence in the context of COVID-19 measures seeks to reassure victims that services are ‘still here’, and that victims are being prioritised.
The new ads were developed by the Department of Justice and Equality who collaborated with frontline services.
Minister Donohoe announces update to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme to ensure greater staff retention and links between employer and employee
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, has announced some further changes to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme which apply to those earning less than €500 per week (approx. €31,000) as well as those earning in excess of €586 per week (€38,000).
Forbearance arrangements put in place for local authority mortgage products
The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, has confirmed that forbearance arrangements have been put in place for local authority mortgage products.
Minister for Education announces postponement of State Exams
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has announced a series of changes to the 2020 State Examinations as part of measures to respond to COVID-19.
These include:
- the Item was unpublished or removed
- Junior Cycle examinations in June replaced with school-based exams and assessments early in the new school year
Ministers welcome common measures across most insurers for business customers in response to COVID-19
Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, and Junior Minister at the Department of Finance, Michael D’Arcy, have welcomed an agreement from most of the key insurers in the Irish market - namely Allianz, AIG, AXA, FBD, RSA, Liberty Insurance, Travelers Insurance and Zurich - that they will apply certain common measures which will be available to their business customers.
Minister Donohoe announces zero rate of VAT on domestic supply of PPE
The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, has requested that Revenue considers applying a zero rate of VAT to personal protection equipment, ventilators and oxygen as necessary to combat COVID-19 when supplied to hospitals, nursing homes, GP practices and the like, for use in the delivery of COVID-19 related health care services to their patients.
Madigan and Donohoe launch measures to support Ireland’s artistic and cultural life
The government has announced a range of specific measures to support the artistic and cultural life of the nation at this difficult time – with a particular focus on wellbeing through personal and community creativity.
Q1 Exchequer Returns highlight first impact of COVID-19 crisis
An Exchequer deficit of €2,535 million was recorded to end-March 2020. This compares to a deficit of €966 million in the same period last year.
Government launches major nationwide volunteering effort
The government has announced “The Community Call”, an unprecedented mobilisation of both state and voluntary resources to combat the effects of COVID-19.
New scheme launched to re-enlist former personnel of the Permanent Defence Force
The Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, has launched a new scheme to re-enlist former PDF enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified vacancies.
The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years.
Minister Donohoe announces release of €16 million of National Lottery money to support COVID-19 health efforts
The money was held in the National Lottery Fund, which is managed and controlled by the National Lottery Regulator, and will now be transferred by the Regulator to the Exchequer.
Taoiseach addresses the nation
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, spoke to the nation about the next stage in our national response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
An Post to roll out a range of new services to help during COVID-19
Following discussions between the government, An Post and the Communications Workers Union, An Post will roll out a host of new measures to help people deal with COVID-19, particularly the government's advice to stay inside your own home and avoid public gatherings.
New emergency measures to protect tenants
The government has approved a series of measures to protect renters who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The measures include:
- no evictions or rent increases for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency
- extending the notice period for renters who have been renting for less than 6 months from 28 days to 90 days
Government announces major new financial measures to help people cope with COVID-19
The Minister for Finance, Paschal Dohohue, has announced measures to help people deal with the financial strain of COVID-19.
These measures include:
- flexible arrangements for business and personal customers with their banks - including 3 month payment breaks where necessary (customers are advised to contact their bank)
- contactless payments to increase to €50 in the interests of public health policy
- making sure that people can continue to access banking services
Taoiseach addresses the nation
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, spoke to the nation about how Ireland is responding to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and how the government is preparing for future challenges.
Government approves legislation to support national response to COVID-19
The government has passed new laws to allow for new welfare payments as well as special powers necessary to protect public health.
National Action Plan approved in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 has approved a National Action Plan in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Information for businesses
Minister Humphreys announces that Local Authorities are now taking applications for €250 million Restart Grant
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, announced that the application form for the new €250 million Restart Grant providing direct grant aid to micro and small businesses is now available online on all local authority websites.
Government approves details of Restart Grant for Small Businesses
The government agreed details of the new €250 million Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures.
Minister Humphreys publishes National Return to Work Safely Protocol
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, has published the National “Return to Work Safely Protocol”. The protocol clearly and comprehensively sets out the steps and processes that businesses must take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprises launched
As part of the Sustaining Enterprise Fund recently announced by the government, Enterprise Ireland has announced that it will administer a specific Sustaining Enterprise Fund for Small Enterprises.
This fund will provide a €25k to €50k short term funding injection to eligible smaller companies to support business continuity and to strengthen their ability to return to growth.
Minister opens applications for €2 million COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD has announced that applications are open for the new Enterprise Ireland €2 million COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme to support retail companies to enhance their digital capability.
The fund is open to indigenous retailers with a physical store and employing 10 or more people to develop a more competitive online offer in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Minister announces major expansion of business supports for SMEs
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a major expansion of supports for all businesses impacted by COVID-19. The package is now worth €1 billion in liquidity measures including a new €180 million Sustaining Enterprise Fund for firms in the manufacturing and international services sectors.
Free mentoring and online training are also available for all SMEs.
NSAI publish COVID-19 guide for the retail sector
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published a 'Retail Protection and Improvement Guide' to help retailers manage business continuity during the COVID-19 emergency.
New government webpage available to receive offers of COVID-19 assistance
The Office of Government Procurement recently launched a webpage to facilitate offers of assistance from businesses and other organisations that are seeking to provide supplies or services in support of the national response to COVID-19.
Standards for medical supplies made freely available
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the following organisations have all agreed to make freely available a series of European, American and International standards for use in response to COVID-19:
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)
EU approves €200 million fund to support Irish business
The European Commission has approved Ireland's €200 million scheme, in line with EU State aid rules, to provide financial support to Irish companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
NSAI publishes guide for businesses
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published a ‘Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide’ outlining preventative measures businesses can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Item was unpublished or removed
Businesses can now donate supplies and services to combat COVID-19
Since COVID-19 arrived in Ireland, businesses have been contacting government bodies to offer to supply or donate goods and services. We have created a central database of these offers on behalf of the whole of the public service, including the HSE.
Your business can donate supplies or services here.
New Business Continuity Voucher goes live through Local Enterprise Offices
A new Business Continuity Voucher is now available through Local Enterprise Offices.
It is open to sole traders and companies across every business sector that employ up to 50 people.
Six-month moratorium on interest and repayments on new Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 loan
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that the new Microfinance Ireland COVID-19 loan includes an option for a moratorium on interest and repayments for the first six months.
Support for businesses impacted by COVID-19 through commercial rates deferral
The government has agreed with local authorities that they should agree to defer rates payments due from the most immediately impacted businesses - primarily in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors, for three months, until end-May.
This measure will be implemented by each local authority in its own area.
Government measures for business and enterprise
The government has put in place a number of initiatives to support business and enterprise during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis.
These address long and short-term financial supports, tax alleviation measures, banking and credit measures and employee supports.
Item was unpublished or removed
Information for employers
A number of income supports are available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for your employees during a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) related absence or temporary lay-off from work.
Guidance for supply chain workers published
A guidance document has been prepared for supply chain workers in relation to COVID-19.
This guidance applies to hauliers, maritime staff, pilots and aircrew, ground staff, port staff, maintenance staff, engineering staff and all others involved in the maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure to allow freight operations in and out of Ireland to continue.
Government supports for business
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is presenting immediate and severe financial challenges for businesses.
Information on government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses is available from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Statement announcing supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD has announced that the Registrar of Companies has decided that all annual returns due to be filed by any company now and up to 30 June 2020 will be deemed to have been filed on time if all elements of the annual return are completed and filed by that date.
Information for childcare providers
Information for childcare providers is available from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Statement on measures for Childcare Sector during COVID-19
Following a meeting on 10 April between the Taoiseach, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, and the Minister for Finance, a pathway to introduce measures already outlined for the Childcare Sector has been agreed.
Information on the community response
The Department of Rural and Community Development is leading the government effort to encourage and facilitate a community response to COVID-19.
The department has developed an Action Plan to support this work.
The Action Plan sets out three key actions for initial focus in supporting a community response to COVID-19.
Each local authority (council) has established a Community Response Forum to coordinate COVID-19 related community supports. As part of this, each local authority has established a helpline that vulnerable people can phone if they are looking for basic services such as delivery of food or meals, or transport for essential trips.
A list of each local authority’s helpline phone number and email address is available here.
ALONE, National Helpline: 0818 222 024
ALONE, the national charity for older people, is partnering each COVID-19 Community Response Forum. If you need to talk or are looking for emotional support, you can call them on 0818 222 024 or your call can be directed from your local COVID-19 Community Response Forum helpline. You can also contact ALONE if you are experiencing difficulties with physical and mental health, finance, housing, loneliness and other challenges.
Government launches initiative to phone older people to check on wellbeing during COVID-19 crisis
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has announced a new befriending phone-call initiative to support participants of the Seniors Alert Scheme.
The initiative will allow older people to receive a regular phone call to check on their wellbeing and needs during the COVID-19 emergency.
Minister announces €2.5 million fund for community groups involved in Community Call
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has launched a €2.5 million fund to support community and voluntary groups involved in the delivery of COVID-19 community response efforts.
Information for farmers, fishermen and the food industry
Bord Bia introduces COVID-19 supports
Bord Bia has introduced a set of services and practical supports for the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry, designed to help producers and businesses navigate the challenges they face and provide practical support during rapidly changing circumstances.
Minister Creed announces flexibilities on DAFM schemes
The Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, has confirmed a number of flexibilities to schemes run by the department in response to COVID-19 issues.
These flexibilities are being introduced to make it easier for farmers and their agents to continue to participate in these schemes where difficulties arise from the current public health restrictions.
Minster Creed announces new COVID-19 information helpline for farmers
The helpline will assist farmers with their queries in relation to current COVID-19 restrictions.
The information helpline phone number is 076 1064468 and will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Measures in response to COVID-19
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is implementing an appropriate business continuity plan as part of the cross-government response to COVID-19.
The department remains open and is prioritising the delivery of essential services to farmers, fishermen and the food industry.
Information on the justice sector
Ministers announce further COVID-19 supports for Direct Provision residents
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, and his colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration, Integration and Equality, David Stanton TD, have today announced further measures to protect and support Direct Provision residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
Significant increase in Direct Provision accommodation announced
More than 650 new beds have been secured to support international protection applicants during the COVID-19 crisis.
Measures in response to COVID-19
The Department of Justice and Equality is working closely with all relevant criminal justice and public health agencies, including An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service, the Department of Health and the HSE, to adopt measures that are in line with public policy and the evolving situation.
Information for schools, preschools and third level institutions
Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor thanks the tertiary education sector for implementing alternative examination arrangements
Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor has announced that further and higher education institutions will not be holding written, oral or practical assessments in examination centres during the COVID-19 emergency.
Minister announces deferral of new allocation model for Special Needs Assistants
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has announced that the planned new allocation model for Special Needs Assistants has been deferred for one year.
The frontloading model for primary and post-primary schools is now planned to be in place for September 2021.
Minister announces contingency plans for temporary assignment arrangements for education and training sector staff
A dedicated process has been set up by the Public Appointments Service on publicjobs.ie to put SNAs on standby to free up frontline workers for essential services.
The move is part of a wider temporary assignment scheme which is opening for public sector employees.
Government confirms continued funding for Schools Meals Programme
The government has issued schools with updated guidance to help them operate the School Meals Programme amid the extended COVID-19 restrictions.
This will ensure that nutritious food gets to many thousands of young people who need it the most.
Schools, universities and childcare facilities to remain closed until 19 April 2020
All schools, pre-schools and further and higher education settings will remain closed to students until 19 April 2020.
Minister announces cancellation of Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate oral and practical performance tests
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has announced the cancellation of oral and practical performance tests of the state examinations which were originally scheduled to take place from Monday 23 March to Friday 3 April 2020.
All students who were due to take these tests will be awarded full marks for this portion of the exam.
Closure of schools, universities and childcare facilities
All schools, universities and childcare facilities are closed until 29 March.
All pupils and students, from pre-school to third level are urged to practice physical distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of COVID-19.
This should include:
- minimising social contact
- avoiding meeting up
- keeping physical space between them
Parents and guardians are urged to support their children to maintain this approach.
Information on the transport sector
Minister outlines importance of maintaining all elements of the supply chain
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has thanked all those working in the transport network ensuring the delivery of essential goods to Ireland.
The Minister was speaking after a Cabinet Committee meeting at which he outlined the ongoing work in the transport supply chain.
NCT cancelled until further notice
Minister Shane Ross and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have confirmed that the following services are suspended until further notice:
- National Driver Licence Service (NDLS)
- National Car Testing Service (NCT)
- Commercial Vehicle Testing System
This is in order to comply with the new public restrictions announced by the government on Friday 27 March.
Transport measures in response to COVID-19
The transport-related measures currently in place in response to COVID-19 are set out below.
Given that this is a rapidly evolving situation this page will be updated as required.