Ms Ashley Connelly:

In regard to the scheme are making reference to, it is the short-time work benefit scheme, kurzarbeit. Germany has put in place an extension to the terms of the scheme and the rates at which it is paid.

For the first three months, a person would get 60% of basic salary for days not worked. They have looked at increasing that to 70% from the fourth to the sixth month and up to 80% or 85% from the seventh month. Our members have now seen 11 months of pay reductions and reduced working hours, or in some cases lay-offs. This would help shore up incomes and ensure these people do not have problems with mortgage or rent arrears in future. We are very concerned that the debt burden being carried by our members is not sustainable.

A scheme like this will give a level of certainty for the next 21 or 24 months so people can plan their livelihood. Many members I have engaged with found when their children went back to school last year that getting the benefits from the State could be quite complicated when in receipt of the employment wage subsidy scheme. Many members, for example, found themselves appealing to get the third level grants. Much more flexibility could be adopted if we engaged together on this. We could find the solutions that would give certainty to all members working in the aviation industry, including our colleagues here today from the travel agent sector. I hope this is helpful and I am happy to share any further information if required.