No need to panic buy says minister

There is no need to panic buy before the measures introduced to slow the spread of coronavirus come into effect this evening, according to the Minister for Business Heather Humphreys.

Following the announcement by the Taoiseach this morning about the introduction of a wide range of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, supermarkets across Offaly have been reporting a major increase in business as large numbers stock up on staples such as bread, pasta and toilet roll.

Speaking this afternoon, Minister for Business Heather Humphreys said that following a meeting with retailers and suppliers she is confident that the supply chain will remain in tact in the coming week. Problems could arise, however, if people continue bulk buying, she said.

"They have assured me that there is sufficient in the supply chain. If people go out and buy products that they don’t need to stockpile them, they’re going to cause a problem," she said.

Retail Ireland also issued a statement this afternoon confirming that supply chains will remain open.

This afternoon Retail Excellence spoke with all of the major grocery multiples and forecourt operators in Ireland. We would like to reassure everyone that Ireland is prepared to continue to supply all grocery outlets for the coming months. There is no reason for Irish citizens to have any concern in that regard.

The industry has never been more prepared having planned for a hard Brexit over the past number of months. Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister of Business and Enterprise, has done a tremendous job in monitoring this matter and please be assured that we have more than adequate contingencies in place.

Social media images of empty shelves are simply sensationalizing the matter. These shelves are restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the future.

We echo An Taoiseach’s comments when this morning he confirmed that the shops will remain open and we have plans to ensure supply chains will not be interrupted.