I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.
To date approximately €5.3 Billion has been paid on the Pandemic Unemployment payment (PUP) which continues to mitigate the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy and society. The scheme will remain open to new applications until 31st March.
To be eligible for PUP a person must have become unemployed due to the downturn in economic activity caused by the pandemic and satisfy the other statutory scheme conditions. A person who is made redundant due to the effects of Covid-19 on their employment is entitled to claim PUP in the same manner as a person who is temporarily laid off.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.