Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Can I ask the Minister about the cut in the PUP and EWSS payments that she would not answer directly even though she is a Minister in the Government that reduced the payments?

I want to ask about her relationship to the press release from the music and entertainment sector. The sector stated that 75% of its members are experiencing cancellations for events in the month in December. It also said that is happening against a backdrop of cuts in support and, in some cases, withdrawal of those supports. It said that it proposed a new scheme in September. We are now four weeks from Christmas. The Minister said there is ongoing engagement with her. That proposal would have safeguarded the workers against losses incurred right up to Christmas. Where do things stand with that proposal? Does the Minister support it? If so, we are four weeks out from Christmas and what is the hold-up?