Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

At local level in my constituency, I am a little concerned about the way the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, is working for those who are self-isolating or who have been told they must self-isolate because they are a close contact. The initial claim, if one is working, is the two weeks' PUP. If there is a positive test at the end of that period and a further isolation period, the worker moves on to the enhanced illness benefit. Would it not be more appropriate for the individual to continue with the PUP if there is documentary or medical evidence? Surely there is huge administrative burden, in addition to holding up the payment of money that is much needed in many cases. The affected individual may be the breadwinner of the family.