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Wage Subsidy Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020

Tuesday, 29 September 2020

Ceisteanna (560)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

560. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to allegations by workers at company (details supplied) of the improper application of the temporary wage subsidy scheme, which has resulted in the company not completing UP80 forms for workers to access social welfare supports due to the fact that completion of the forms, workers allege, would reveal inconsistencies in the application of the scheme. [26773/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Officials from my Department have engaged with the company and an agreed process is in place to provide any outstanding information by the company to their employees to support their social welfare applications. It has been agreed that the UP80 letter generated by the company which contains all the information on the Department’s official UP80 form is acceptable in support of a jobseeker's claim. On receipt of this information, applications for jobseekers claims are being prioritised within the Department so that claims are put into payment as quickly as possible. This process is in place and claims are being processed.

Decisions around individual entitlements to social welfare claims for periods where the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme was being availed of by the employer will depend on meeting the eligibility conditions, including satisfying the Department with regard to days of unemployment, including that no remuneration was payable for any such day of unemployment. This requires that the specific work pattern and remuneration arrangement in place for each individual needs to be examined for this period. Applications in respect of this period are being assessed on an individual basis and the Department will notify each individual of the outcome of its decision. 

Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that any person who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.  Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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