Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Robert Troy has called on Minister Humphreys to consider putting in place sector specific taskforces to oversee the lifting of restrictions and get businesses back to operating as quickly and as safely as possible.
Deputy Troy was commenting as the UK Government has set up five ministerial-led taskforces to develop plans for how and when businesses in closed sectors can reopen safely.
The taskforces will oversee the reopening of pubs and restaurants, non-essential retail outlets, recreation, leisure and sports facilities, aviation operations and places of worship.
Deputy Troy explained, “We’re going to need sector specific protocols and oversight put in place to ensure that our businesses can open and operate safely.
“We are all aware that meat factories have become the new hotbed of COVID-19 cases and it’s clear that if we are to stop this from happening elsewhere, specific health and safety procedures and protocols will need to be put in place and overseen.
“These taskforces will be able to report back to the Minister and to report progress or alternatively where additional supports need to be targeted. What works for a hotel will not necessarily work for a shoe shop so one size will not fit all and to do this properly there will need to be sector specific protocols.
“Getting businesses back to operation is vital for our economy. We want them functioning as close to how they were before the COVID-19 pandemic as possible – these taskforces would help them do just that,” concluded Deputy Troy.
