Dr. Mark Cassidy:

There is a lot of merit in what the Deputy is suggesting. However, I will first go back to his initial comment because I cannot let it go by. I am not saying that I do not agree with the Tánaiste. Let me be very specific on that. The Tánaiste, as far as I am aware, did not put a timeframe on this. If the view is that, at some time, the next moves in regard to inflation and interest rates is that they are likely to be up, that is the case. I think what is uncertain is when that will happen. I must just make that point.

What the Deputy is suggesting in terms of the wage subsidy scheme evolving into something more permanent is worth consideration. He is talking about something that can reduce the risk that arises when a crisis happens and workers become disengaged from a firm for a period. It may only be temporary but such a disengagement leads to longer-lasting effects. There are potential schemes that could be used. The EWSS was introduced, obviously, for temporary purposes, but the rationale behind it could potentially be considered as something more permanent. I would not want to get into it any further than that except to agree with the Deputy that there is a lot of merit in what he is saying for reasons that relate to maintaining skills, motivation and engagement. If a worker leaves a firm, even only temporarily, it becomes much more difficult to re-engage that individual. I think what the Deputy is suggesting is worth consideration.