Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
934. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she is taking to provide supports for those returning here from working abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic due to the fact that they may have lost their job abroad or need to take care of sick relatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7269/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been introduced as an emergency measure so that payments can be made as quickly as possible to the large number of people in the state who have become fully unemployed due to the pandemic. The payment is not available to people living abroad and who have returned to Ireland as outlined by the Deputy. In the first instance they should apply for unemployment benefit in the country they last worked which may then be transferred to Ireland.
Where a person is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for financial support through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
