Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
384. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if the Government will introduce a new short-time work furlough scheme based on the principles of the employment wage subsidy scheme to maintain manufacturing jobs at risk of being lost as a result of escalating gas prices, especially in view of the risk to all of the jobs at companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy’s question relates to the introduction of a new short-time work scheme for the manufacturing sector. The position is that policy responsibility for short-time work support, which is a form of Jobseeker’s Benefit, resides in the first instance with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
The question makes reference to basing a new short-time work furlough scheme on the principles of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). However, it is important to point out that the EWSS was a unique scheme which was developed and operated in exceptional circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic. Arising from this, the governance arrangements that applied to EWSS were also exceptional.
The Deputy may be interested to note that an inter-departmental senior official group is reviewing the experience from the introduction and operation of Covid-19 emergency income supports paid to/in respect of people whose employment was impacted due to public health restrictions, and to identify lessons learnt. I understand that the work of this group is at an advanced stage. My Department is represented on the relevant group which is chaired by the Department of Social Protection and also includes representatives from the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Enterprise Trade and Employment and from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Finally, the Pathways to Work 2021-2025 strategy, sponsored by Minister Humphreys and her Department, includes the following commitment: "building on the EWSS/TWSS and drawing on existing international models, explore the possibility of introducing a new Short Time Work Support scheme to enable employers retain people on their payroll in response to short-duration shocks to employment".
It is understood that the Labour Market Advisory Council, which provides external oversight of the strategy, is due to report to Minister Humphreys in the third quarter of this year on its views on the progress made in the first twelve months in implementing Pathways commitments.
