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Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (44)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

44. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if crèches will be able to add additional employees to the temporary wage subsidy scheme either for the purposes of increasing staff numbers to meet public health requirements or to substitute for members of staff who are not prepared to recommence work. [11748/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is provided for in section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020. It is an emergency measure to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. Of necessity, the underlying legislation and the scheme itself were developed quickly, having regard to the objective of getting financial assistance to employers and employees, where businesses have been seriously affected by the pandemic and the necessary restrictions introduced to fight the spread of the Covid-19 virus. A core objective of the scheme was to maintain the link between the employer and employee.

I am advised by Revenue that the TWSS can only operate in respect of an employee, whether full-time or part-time, who was on the payroll of the employer as at 29 February 2020. The TWSS builds on data returned to Revenue by employers through its real-time PAYE system. Where an employer retained an employee on payroll, or where an employee is re-hired by the employer, the wage subsidy scheme is available provided the employee concerned was on the payroll on 29 February.

The Deputy’s question relates to a business taking on new employees for health requirements or where it is not possible to re-hire its previous employees. The TWSS does not apply in these circumstances.

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