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Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020

Wednesday, 3 June 2020

Questions (1071)

Noel Grealish

Question:

1071. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the options available in terms of social welfare support to a person who is in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and can only return to self-employment on a part-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8512/20]

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Written answers

The COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.  For self-employed people, they must have experienced a collapse of income and be available to take up other full-time work if it was available to them in order to qualify. 

Where a self-employed person does not qualify for this emergency payment they can apply for a jobseekers payment.  Jobseekers benefit (self-employed) was one of the measures I introduced in late 2019 which is available for self-employed people who have ceased trading.  If a person’s business is operating at a reduced level they may be eligible to apply for support under the means tested jobseekers allowance scheme.

The Government recognises that the COVID 19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for businesses.  My colleague, the Minister for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has introduced a range of supports and guidance for businesses available on that Department's website at www.dbei.gov.ie.  The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, administered by the Revenue Commissioners is available to employers who keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID 19 pandemic, so that employers can retain links with employees for when business picks up after the crisis.

Where a person is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for financial support through the means tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme. 

I trust that this clarifies the situation.

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