Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
302. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a plan in place in her Department to increase the levels of pandemic unemployment payment rates if Ireland needs to go to a Plan for Living with Covid-19 level 5 designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29774/20]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment was implemented as an emergency measure intended to last for 6 to 12 weeks. However, the impact of Covid-19 has been deeper and will last longer than anticipated back in March.
Changes have been made to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to ensure it continues to be sustainable over the longer duration of the scheme by linking the payment rates to employees’ previous earnings. Because of the decisions this Government has taken, the scheme has been extended until the end of March 2021 and remains open to new applicants until the end of 2020.
Any further changes to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be made having regard to the evolving public health situation and available resources.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
