Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Ceisteanna (442)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

442. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance when he last spoke to the Minister for Social Protection with regard to the functioning of the EWSS; if he has spoken to the Minister with regard to the recent Central Bank economic letter (details supplied) which cites the need allow wage-subsidy-supported workers who face a material risk of job loss in the future to engage with active labour market programmes, including retraining and help with job search; his plans to include a training element to the EWSS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33631/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I would like to assure the Deputy that I continue to closely monitor the uptake and utilisation of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and that both I and my officials are in frequent contact with our counterparts the Departments of Social Protection and Public Expenditure and Reform on this important economy-wide employment measure.

I am aware of the views expressed in the letter, which I note do not claim to represent the views of the Central Bank, which are broadly supportive of the EWSS.

On the specific issue raised by the Deputy around the question of EWSS employees needing to engage with labour market activation schemes, I would highlight that the express objective of the EWSS is to support viable employment and to maintain the link between the employee and employer insofar as is possible. Employees who are in the EWSS are therefore in employment and engaged with the labour market and consequently the inclusion of a training element is not warranted at this time.