Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
517. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are obstacles to processing claims being put before employees of a company (details supplied) by her Department or the company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24950/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that officials in my Department are engaging with the company referred to by the Deputy so that claims for social welfare support are prioritised.
In the case where a person has been fully laid off from their employment, they should make an application for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. I have recently announced that the time-frame for receiving new applications under this scheme has been extended until the end of this year. The quickest and easiest way to apply for this payment is online at mywelfare.ie.
In the case where a person has had a reduction in their days of employment, the Department has previously clarified that, subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment. Officials from my Department are engaging directly with the company referred to provide any outstanding documentation required to finalise applications for jobseekers support under these arrangements as a matter of urgency.
My Department will prioritise decisions on these applications on receipt of this information so that claims are put into payment as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the current position.
