I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 186, 188, 194, 195, 203 and 211 together.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) was introduced in March and was specifically designed to support firm viability and preserve the relationship between the employer and employee insofar as is possible through the lockdown period, in circumstances where the employer’s business had been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The TWSS is available to employees, whether full-time or part-time, who were on their employer payroll at 29 February 2020. This requirement is set down in Section 28 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020.
The scheme was developed in a short period of time, having regard to the overarching urgent Government objective of getting assistance to employers and employees quickly.
Since it was introduced, over 50,000 firms have availed of the scheme (which is almost a third of all employers from 2019). Over 500,000 jobs have been directly supported over the period and many more indirectly. This is considerable coverage and it is noted that the value of payments made to date is over €2 billion.
The question of an individual’s entitlements in an employment context, and the question of what wages an employer may or may not be in a position to pay such an employee in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the employer’s business, are matters that are outside the remit of the TWSS. The scheme has no role in relation to the employer/employee relationship in so far as the terms, conditions and entitlements of the employment are concerned.
As the public health restrictions are eased, the challenge for the economy and enterprises is evolving. Having regard to the novel circumstances surrounding the re-opening of the economy as well as the need to avoid the risk of forcing otherwise viable firms to close, in July it was announced that the TWSS will remain until the end of August. Work has been ongoing and is at an advanced stage around how best to support employers into the more medium term. The position of various sectors, including the businesses and workers mentioned by the Deputies, will be taken into account in this process. As per the commitment in the Programme for Government, it is planned that the July Jobs Initiative will set out a pathway for the future of the TWSS.