Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
863. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a proposal (details supplied) in relation to directly supporting partners of frontline workers is currently being considered following the cancellation of the proposal recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7329/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware it was with regret that I had to cancel the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers on the 13th May.
Identifying essential workers will be part of the wider Government effort to ensure that society and businesses are re-opened in a carefully managed and safe manner.
The proposal submitted by the Deputy relates to operation of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which is operated by Revenue and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) which is operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). As such I would not be in a position to speak to changes or the application of these schemes.
My primary focus now, and that of my Department, is to work towards the significant challenges of a phased reopening of early learning and childcare facilities for 29th June, in line with the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
