Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
55. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the engagement she has had with the Revenue Commissioners in determining a person's eligibility and pay rates for the pandemic unemployment payment. [25011/20]
View answerThe rate of the pandemic unemployment payment is determined by a person’s prior earnings as notified to my Department by the Revenue Commissioners. My Department does not engage with the Revenue Commissioners in determining a person's individual eligibility but makes this determination on the basis of analysing the information available, except in isolated cases where a record requires clarification. Government has determined that from 17 September the pandemic unemployment payment will be paid at three rates. Individuals whose prior earnings were €300 or over per week will receive a payment of €300 per week. A rate of €250 will apply to those who earned between €200 and €300 and the rate of €203 remains unchanged for those with prior earnings of less than €200. The Department is advising recipients of the changes in rate and setting out the basis for the decision in each case. I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
