CEO update: Government COVID-19 announcement to be welcomed

On a day of significant Government announcements for business, the workforce and society, I would like to provide you with a brief update.  The measures announced must be acknowledged as a much welcomed confidence booster and provide a strong underpinning under these dire circumstances. These measures are essential and reflective of Ibec’s engagement with Government in recent weeks.  The temporary wage subsidy scheme, enhanced unemployment supports and illness payments are crucial and important steps in keeping vulnerable business alive, ensuring employee engagement and protecting the income of individuals.  We now must turn our attention to ensuring that they are workable for business.
 
This evening at the request of Government, Ibec hosted a CFO/CEO technical briefing call on the measures. Niall Cody, Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, John McKeon, Secretary General of the Department of Employee Affairs and Social Protection and John Shaw, Assistant Secretary of the Department of An Taoiseach teased out some of the elements of the schemes for Ibec members.  Earlier this evening, I also participated on a stakeholder call with senior officials at the Department of Business, again to discuss the Government response. 
 
Tomorrow we will issue a comprehensive analysis to members.  It would also be good to hear from you as we have a further briefing scheduled with the Revenue Commissioners in the morning which provides an opportunity unpick some further technical issues.