Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Returning to the online application form, I appreciate that our guests said there was a very low take-up, which is fine. I have found, however, as I am sure many Deputies and Senators have, that people have contacted us wanting to apply for the PUP but could not do so online, whether because of a lack of broadband or because they just could not do it, which is fair enough. We would print the document and send it to them. While there may be a very low take-up, I do not understand why the form is no longer available to print for people who might need to use it. I do not see it as an issue and it should be available online for people if they need the paper application as opposed to having to email.

On the issue of people genuinely seeking work, our guests mentioned the job activation schemes and how the Department might consider that in the new year. Is there a specific plan? I do not see the Department will work out, where sectors have been closed or have not fully opened, who is genuinely seeking work and who should be moved on to activation. We will need to be really careful about how we consider that in the new year if it is not being pushed as much now. I do not see the rationale for it to be there at all.

On the take-up of courses and returning to education, there should be full flexibility for all courses. As an example, I was contacted by someone on a jobseeker's payment. This person has completed 147 of the 156 days of the qualifying period needed for those on a jobseeker’s payment to qualify for a vocational training and opportunities scheme, VTOS, and they cannot go on it because they have not satisfied the qualifying period. Someone else contacted me who wanted to do a bus-driving course at an education and training board but cannot do because that person is on the PUP. I would like to see absolute flexibility for people who want to go back to education. It should be made as easy as possible. There are anomalies where people are encountering roadblocks. I ask that social welfare officers would allow full flexibility when assisting people in coming off jobseeker's allowance or the PUP.