Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Robert Troy, has said it is time for Minister Heather Humphreys to come before the Dáil to discuss emergency measures to protect businesses from the COVID-19 crisis.
Deputy Troy said there was no reason why the Minister couldn’t take statements and questions as a matter of priority given that other Government Ministers had done likewise in recent weeks while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“I have requested that the Business Committee ask Minister Humphreys to come before the Dáil as soon as possible,” he said.
“The reduced and restricted Dáil has already held statements with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance. This week it will hear from the Minister for Education. We urgently need to hear from Minister Humphreys.
“The response of her Department is key to keeping businesses afloat and to getting the economy moving again. The steps she plans and takes now will dictate whether or not some businesses can open their doors again. They are fully dependent on her support.
“A drip-drip feed of information does not work,” Deputy Troy added. “Businesses need certainty and having Minister Harris come out and say one thing about parts of the hospitality sector staying closed for the rest of the year is causing major stress and anxiety. It’s counterproductive at this time.
“Opposition spokespersons should be given the opportunity to seek information, ask questions and offer solutions. We need to be ambitious in our response to this pandemic, anything less won’t suffice,” he concluded.
