Government measures welcomed

Tuesday, 24 March 2020

The range of measures announced by Government today 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.  Ibec CEO Danny McCoy also participated on a stakeholder call with senior officials at the Department of Business, again to discuss the Government response.