An organisation representing businesses all over the country has written to the Taoiseach expressing concern at the Government response to Covid-19.
Chambers Ireland is seeking a national co-ordinated strategy focused on managing the virus.
"Since the Government's July package was introduced circumstances for business have evolved and gaps have become apparent," wrote Chambers Ireland chief executive, Ian Talbot, in the letter sent to Micheál Martin.
The letter was written in advance of the Dáil reconvening tomorrow.
"Government needs to address the long-term nature of this pandemic with an appropriate suite of responses and the critical need to introduce a programme of structured interventions focused on regions which see restrictions reintroduced, and separately the sectors which are most acutely affected by the impact of Covid-19," Mr Talbot said.
The organisation says extra supports for businesses are required for areas of the country, like Kildare, Laois and Offaly, where restrictions were reintroduced to help them through any such period and with reopening.
There are also failings with the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) - which from today replaces the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme - that need to be addressed urgently, according to Chambers Ireland.
"It is critical that there is a co-ordinated, coherent, and clear programme of policy and communications from government, the absence of which is undermining the viability of businesses and the sustainability of our economy," wrote Mr Talbot.
Chambers Ireland is calling for specific tailored packages for businesses that are operating in areas where restrictions are reintroduced.
It also says qualification criteria for the EWSS need to be reviewed and the delay between the payment of wages under the EWSS and the payment to businesses must be addressed.
The step change in payments ought to be more graduated in general, it claims, and more generous to sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, and regions that have been affected most by the impact of Covid-19.
Rather than having a reactive policy response to Covid-19, the association wants a move towards a more stabilised one, combined with an effective communications strategy that provides clarity regarding the policy environment which businesses are trying to operate in.
"We urge Government to work with the business community to ensure that a coherent, co-ordinated national policy response is put in place to support local economies and communities as we continue to grapple with the threat of the Covid-19 virus," Mr Talbot said in today's statement.
