Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020

Wednesday, 7 October 2020

Questions (165)

Richard Bruton

Question:

165. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many student nurses who were supporting themselves through part-time health assistant work have been told that combining such work with their standard placements would pose a Covid-19 risk and as a consequence her Department has deemed such persons not available for work and, therefore, ineligible for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if relief can be provided in such cases. [29163/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 put the pandemic unemployment payment on a statutory basis since 5th August and the scheme has been extended until the end of March 2021. I have also secured agreement to keep the pandemic unemployment payment open for new applications until the end of 2020.

Applicants must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the scheme to be eligible for the payment. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.

I trust this clarifies the position.