5th March 2020
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD met with retail representative bodies, large grocery retailers and retail distributors at the Department’s offices today to discuss their contingency plans for COVID-19.
Grocery retailers discussed how their businesses are preparing for COVID-19 to ensure the safety of their employees and to ensure continuation of business and food supply chains for their customers.
The meeting is part of the work of the Cabinet Subcommittee and ongoing wide stakeholders’ engagement across Government. Retailers and suppliers are continuing to work on their contingency plans and the Department will continue to engage with the sector on this matter.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: “I am greatly encouraged by the preparations that retailers and suppliers are making to ensure that consumers have access to the range of grocery goods that they need. I am also assured that grocery supply chains are well stocked and there is ample supply to meet demand.
“Retailers and their suppliers are working on contingency plans and are following the public health advice provided by Government on a daily basis, so that health is prioritised for employees and consumers, and food supply chains can continue to function with minimal disruption.”
She added: “We are currently in a containment phase, but my focus and that of my Department and Agencies is on maintaining continuity of business for whatever event may unfold. In that light we need to ensure that we are all collectively preparing across the full range of potential scenarios.
“The engagement that I have had today with the grocery retailers and suppliers and retail representative bodies has been constructive and informative, and we will continue to engage over the coming days and weeks.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
The Department has prepared a user-friendly checklist which identifies a range of issues for enterprise to consider in responding to a COVID-19 outbreak:
Business Continuity Planning: Checklist of preparatory actions in responding to COVID-19
Further information for businesses can be accessed as follows:
HSE COVID-19 advice
HPSC Guidance on COVID-19 for workers dealing with the general public (PDF)
Workplace Relations Commission
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) 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/Business, Enterprise and Innovation, press.office@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631 2200.
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