Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
587. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has had discussions in relation to a reversal of the cuts to the pandemic unemployment payment; if so, the estimated cost of a reversal for a three-month period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment has agreed, as part of the July Stimulus, that the pandemic unemployment would be paid at three rates from 17 September. Since this date, the payment has been linked to a person's prior average weekly employment earnings and paid at three rates, €300, €250 and €203 per week. I have recently announced that applications for the scheme will remain open until the end of this year.
The changes to the payment rate means that Government is in a position to extend the scheme until April next and make it more sustainable by linking it to previous earnings. The new rates remain higher than the general weekly personal social welfare payments for people of working age, payable at €203.
The estimated cost of reversing the cuts to the pandemic unemployment payment for a 3 month period based on current numbers of recipients would be approximately €260 million.
I trust this clarifies the position.
