Ibec, the group that represents Irish businesses, is calling for a Covid-19 roadmap outlining how businesses will re-open when restrictions begin to be eased.
Danny McCoy, the chief executive of Ibec, said that areas like construction need to be looked at.
Mr McCoy said there is growing concern and frustration in the business community and it is seeking clarity from Government.
The Ibec boss said the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic has been huge economically and efforts must begin to return to a new normal.
Danny McCoy said when this situation began, everyone believed it to be temporary but this is clearly not the case and we will all be living with this virus for months.
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He said the country needs a roadmap that reflects this reality, adding that we need to be conscious of losing our livelihoods as well as our lives.
He pointed out that a return to work would involve sharing public space and said companies need to know how this will work.
Mr McCoy said a whole approach to the problem is needed and he questioned if the Government can afford to continue as it is, adding that the pandemic welfare payments were very generous compared to other countries and are not sustainable.
