Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
372. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available for those whose industries are open but remain heavily affected by Covid-19; if measures are being considered to support front-line workers who are aged over 60 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55491/21]
View answerMy Department is primarily responsible for the provision of income supports to individuals. The PUP payment was the main income support introduced for those impacted by Covid-19 which was payable to eligible workers up to age 66 years. In line with the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan the PUP is being gradually withdrawn between September 2021 and February 2022, using a tapered approach to align it with the standard jobseeker’s terms.
The Department contacts recipients in advance of their transition from PUP to advise the options available to them. Depending on an individual’s circumstances, the options could include transfer to Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Benefit for the self-employed or Jobseeker’s Allowance. Where a person qualifies for Jobseeker’s Benefit they will automatically move to that payment. Where a person has applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed, they will retain their PUP payment until a decision is made on their application.
The range of supports for the self-employed continue to be available to those who remain in receipt of PUP. Self-employed persons exiting the PUP scheme and who are working in their business for up to 24 hours per week may apply for the Part Time Job Incentive for Self -employed. Recipients receive a payment of €128.60 per week and there is no income limit applied. The €1,000 Covid-19 Enterprise Support Grant to assist self -employed people to restart their business continues to be available to the end of 2021, including to those who may have previously availed of the grant in 2020.
It addition to these supports for individuals, a range of business and sectoral supports are available across Government from the relevant departments.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy at this time.
