Aldi has written to the Government asking that the grocery retail sector be formally designated as a "critical/frontline sector".
In a letter to Minister for Business Heather Humphreys, the company said that the retail sector should be "afforded the full resources of the State to ensure it can operate effectively".
It said such supports should be extend to ports, the entire supply chain and the farming and agri-business sector.
The company also suggests that provisions being made for healthcare workers, like financial supports, relief, or childcare should be extended to staff working in the grocery retail sector.
In the letter, seen by RTÉ News, Group Buying Director of Aldi, John Curtin, said that the company will be increasing its workforce to meet demands.
He added that it will target workers laid off so far as a result of recent closures.
It will also work with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and retail groups in order to offer "opportunities to those who need work during this time of crisis".
Meanwhile, protective screens are to be installed at SuperValu stores all over the country to protect workers and customers.
The first of the plastic screens have been installed at SuperValu in Lucan in Dublin.
The 'Plexiglass' screens provide a barrier between checkout workers and customers.
Screens have also been installed between the self-checkout areas to divide customers.
The company said the screens are for the benefit of both workers and customers and are part of a range of efforts to help reduce the risk of people contracting coronavirus.
SuperValu is also implementing a queueing system in some of its stores to socially distance customers and control numbers.
Like other retailers, there no major issues with supply chains.
The Musgrave group, which owns SuperValu, is also to install the protective screens at its Daybreak and Centra outlets.
