Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2020
143. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment will affect the determination of average weekly earnings for PRSI-based social welfare payments, for example, jobseeker’s benefit when 2020 is the relevant tax year, for example, in 2022. [25744/20]
View answerThe Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 put the pandemic unemployment payment on a statutory basis since 5th August and ensures that people who lost their jobs, or were temporarily laid-off, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic shall be deemed to have made an employment contribution in line with that which they would have made if they had remained in employment.
This means that people who lost their jobs on foot of the public health crisis will not lose out in accessing social insurance benefits subject to satisfying the statutory conditionality for the particular scheme. The specific details as to how these contributions could impact on average weekly earnings for PRSI based social welfare payments in 2022 will require detailed consideration by my Department and any necessary measures will be put in place at that time.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
