Press release
Tánaiste welcomes reopening of 12,000 businesses this week and return to work of 100,000 people
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar has today (Monday 10 May) said this is a significant week for business with around 12,000 due to reopen their premises or resume normal trading, and 100,000 people expected back to work this month.
He also indicated that the Work Safely Protocol is being updated to include revised advice on ventilation and workplace antigen testing, and will be launched in the near future.
"This is a moment that businesses across Ireland have been waiting for as we see the return or reopening of around 12,000 businesses, the return of non-essential retail and personal services, and roughly 100,000 people expected to return to work this month.
"As Minister for Enterprise I want to thank companies for their efforts and those of their staff in getting to this point. Thanks to your diligence in fighting the pandemic, and those of the general public, we can move on to the next phase of reopening. This has been the longest lockdown since the pandemic began. I am determined to do all we can to ensure that it is the last.
"Businesses can also be reassured that Government financial supports will remain in place at least until the end of June, and that we are working on new financial supports for those most affected by the lockdown. These will be announced at the end of May. Businesses opening tomorrow will receive a double CRSS payment for each of the next two weeks to help with the cost of reopening.
"The Department of Enterprise is currently updating the Work Safely Protocol to include new advice on ventilation, and will also set out recommendations on how antigen testing can be incorporated into the workplace. I will be launching this new Protocol in the near future.
"Importantly, we are still asking people to work from home wherever possible. The virus is still circulating, and around two thirds of the adult population have yet to receive the vaccine. Mixing in the workplace can allow the virus to spread, so we all need to continue playing our part in defeating this cruel virus."
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) plays a key role in implementing the government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
For further information please contact Press Office, D/Enterprise, Trade and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200.