Business reacts to Reopening Roadmap from Government

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has today reacted to the Government’s Reopening Roadmap and the further package of economic measures. It said that the Reopening Roadmap was a core element of the framework needed to support an essential and phased return to social and economic activity. 

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy stated: “Business has been calling for this roadmap and its publication will greatly assist with a phased, safe and much needed return for businesses which have been closed as a result of the containment measures. The health of the public and the workforce remains the primary concern for us all, but it is now essential that we apply a risk-based approach to balance these health concerns with wider wellbeing issues and the need to have a functioning economy. We will be working closely with Government through the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) over the coming days and weeks on the practical implementation and phasing issues of the initial roadmap.”

Mr McCoy also welcomed the further significant package of business liquidity and cashflow supports published today. He noted that Government was continuing to take on board the concerns of business and that the measures announced today were in line with many of the recommendations recently made by Ibec. 

“The scale of business collapse in recent weeks has been spectacular and unprecedented and the significant low interest loan guarantee; other liquidity and investment measures; grants; and tax deferral and waiver supports; are an important further step in addressing the cashflow crisis which so many businesses are dealing with. These measures will support businesses through the worst of the economic collapse and help prepare many for reopening. They are an important component of an economic recovery plan and we will continue to work with Government on further initiatives.”