Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
863. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who was self-employed, pays tax but does not make PRSI contributions is eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32651/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a statutory benefit provided for in the Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020. The scheme is available to a self-employed person of working age who is a self-employed contributor and has suffered a reduction in their trading income as a consequence of the pandemic to the extent that they are available for full time work.
A social insurance contribution record is based largely on contributions paid into the social insurance system from a person in either employment or self-employment – with allowance made for periods spent out of the workforce through unemployment, illness and/or caring responsibilities. The social insurance system links access to social protection directly to participation in the labour force and thereby provides an effective mechanism for financing social protection through the collection of contributions based on earnings or income.
Where a person is not a self-employed contributor, they may be eligible for support under the means tested jobseeker's allowance.
I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.
