Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
694. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the situation facing family carers promoted to apply for jobseeker’s payment when their industry has not yet opened given the gradual reduction in the pandemic unemployment payment rates from 7 September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42278/21]
View answer696. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the continuing regulations restraining various industries and businesses from reopening completely or even in some cases partially, it is planned to re-instate the full rates of the pandemic unemployment payment to employees or former employees in the industries affected until the full reopening of society is possible, in view of the significant difference this would make to the persons affected and the reducing number of these persons and the limited duration that will be involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42317/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 694 and 696 together.
The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced as an exceptional measure in response to the unprecedented impact on employment and earnings as a result of Government mandated public health measures. To date expenditure on the scheme is over €8.6 billion.
Since the gradual lifting of restrictions and the continuing progress on Covid-19 vaccinations, the number of recipients on PUP has fallen by over 70% from a peak of 481,000 in February to just over 143,000 last week. It is important therefore in the interests of equity and sustainability to restore standard social welfare terms.
To allow as much time as possible for the economy to re-open and for employments to recover, the Government agreed to taper the payment of PUP and withdraw it slowly over a prolonged period between September 2021 and February 2022 to align it with the standard jobseekers payments.
From September the maximum rate of PUP of €350 will reduce to €300, the current rate of €300 will reduce to €250 and the rate of €250 will reduce to €203. These new payment rates will take effect in payments made on 14th September. Two further phases of rate changes are scheduled to take place from 16th November 2021 and 8th February 2022.
The Government also agreed that PUP customers currently in receipt of the €203 rate of payment would transition to standard Jobseeker terms commencing in September. The commencement of this process has been deferred until the end of September rather than from early September, as planned. This is in response to the publication, on 31st August, of the Government's Roadmap "Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting".
The Deputies may be aware that in general working age payments including jobseekers payments are not payable with other weekly social welfare payments. However, given the unprecedented circumstances of Covid-19, provision was made for PUP to be paid with certain other specified social welfare payments, including Carer's payments. PUP recipients in receipt of concurrent weekly payments will also be contacted directly during the transition period and their position will be regularised in line with standard social welfare terms.
I hope that this clarifies the position for the Deputies at this time.
