Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
599. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will be extended to those who cannot secure childcare and therefore cannot work during the current restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1877/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date over €5 billion has been paid in relation to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment since its introduction in March 2020 in response to the effects of the Covid-19 virus. On 5th August the payment was introduced as a statutory scheme to continue to mitigate the severe social and economic effects of the Covid-19 virus. To be eligible for the payment a person must have lost their employment as a direct consequence of Covid-19 and no longer be in receipt of pay from their employer.
From the outset of Covid-19, many employers will have taken the initiative, in line with requests from the Government, to be as flexible as possible in giving staff time off and working patterns that enable them to look after their children who are not attending school or crèche, such as allowing employees to work from home, altering shifts or allowing employees to rearrange holidays or parental leave.
In view of the current circumstances where schools and childcare facilities are closed, where a person who cannot secure childcare is not able to work from home or avail of other flexible work options and they are not being paid by their employer, they are advised to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
