Disappointing lack of clarity poses risk to Ireland's Economic Recovery
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, is calling for certainty not only for the hospitality sector and wider Experience Economy but also the broader business community, following the Government’s announcement to delay reopening this week.
Commenting on the decision, Danny McCoy, Ibec CEO, noted that: “We are very concerned for the many businesses and people working in the Experience Economy, especially those most impacted by the decision not to go ahead with the next phase of planned reopening due to start on 5th July. We support the restaurants and vintners’ associations who have been placed in an impossible position by the lateness in the decision and the lack of clarity within it. We all need certainty on a reopening plan as quickly as possible and additional financial support for the extra costs that the mishandling of events in the past week has caused.
“It is also important not to lose sight of the impact of the Government’s disappointing decisions this week on the wider business community and the stability of Ireland’s economy. Confidence amongst consumers and businesses generally in the Government’s wider reopening plan has been damaged. This could materially impact Ireland’s economic recovery.
“Much greater certainty and information is needed for all businesses on the Government’s modelling data, timelines and milestones for the revised vaccine rollout, the use of antigen testing, and the GDPR issues for employers generally on requesting and holding information in relation to vaccination status.
“The Government must improve its communications to business. The events of this week clearly illustrate that a more effective stakeholder engagement model is badly required.”
The Experience Economy encompasses hospitality, retail, travel, food, drink, tourism, entertainment, and technology. It reaches deep into the supply chain, supporting business and employment in many of the hard to reach but critical elements of the economy and society.
