Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
279. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has engaged with the Minister for Health and the Minister of Finance in respect of the reintroduction of the full pandemic unemployment payment in December 2021 and-or the first quarter of 2022. [58134/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe measures announced by Government last week, including the introduction of an earlier closing time limit in the night time industry, do not represent an economic shutdown along the lines of those previously in place. Employers in this situation, many of which have adapted their trading hours, have been encouraged to avail of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme to retain staff on their payroll. Where this may not be possible, there are a range of income supports available from my Department for people who lose their employment, under the Jobseeker's schemes.
The Department has not seen an increase in applications for Jobseekers payments over the last week and in fact the numbers on the Live Register are falling. It is also the case that while employment opportunities were very limited under the wider restrictions of previous lockdowns, many business are at present actively trying to recruit staff.
Taking all these considerations into account, Government has no plans to change the position around the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) at this time.
The situation remains under close review by Government as we continue to monitor the impacts of the Covid-19 virus on our health services over the coming weeks.
