Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
259. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, when a person who is employed or paid by the State avails of the pandemic unemployment payment due to childcare, this will result in a break of service to his or her contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3736/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic sector employees on unpaid leave (e.g. parental leave etc.) are not eligible to claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Although school closures are in effect across the country due to COVID-19, it should be noted that childcare services, including childminders, and other existing childcare arrangements remain open and can continue for children of essential workers and vulnerable children. In addition, a household of an essential worker, without an existing childcare arrangement, can avail of new childcare arrangements or form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare.
The list of essential services are set out in the ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’. The list can be found on the gov.ie website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
In circumstances where the above options have been exhausted, public service employers and employees may, where appropriate, consider alternative arrangements for flexible working, including working from home and/or working adjusted hours, staggered hours, weekend work etc. to facilitate employees where necessary.
