Mr. Christopher Bowes:

I think the Deputy is definitely correct. I made reference to comparing to other jurisdictions. Ireland does compare quite favourably in the context of the social welfare measures that were introduced in response to the pandemic. But that paper also highlights that the pandemic, and the increased demand for social welfare payments across the board, also brought to the fore weaknesses in every individual jurisdiction and in every system. In introducing the 2020 Bill, which came into effect almost five months after the Covid pandemic payment was actually introduced, there was an opportunity there for scrutiny of the Covid Pandemic Unemployment Payment, PUP, scheme, and for a period of consultation as to the working for it. The Deputy has made reference to the requirement to genuinely seek work and being attached to that payment. We should note that that criteria applies to the Covid PUP at the moment, as it stands, to each claimant for the payment. I know the Deputy has made reference to taking a common-sense approach, and the Department has indicated that it will take such an approach. But in the absence of any regulations which reflect that approach, it is impossible to know what approach at all is being taken, or what criteria people are being assessed by reference to in deciding whether or not they are genuinely seeking work.