Ms Jackie Harrington:

For the tapering of payments, the calculation is obviously not in line with the calculation the Chair has proposed in terms of working a percentage of the higher cap. What we did was look at the various inputs and consultations. There were a lot of factors for us to consider, in the context of the overall costs, the competing concerns, impact on the labour market and comparison with our existing jobseeker's benefit scheme. As the previous Deputy stated, the tapering works well as we outlined with the PUP where we reduced it in €50 segments. We looked at some of the different situations across Europe, and in fact some of those taper right down to the basic assistance rate. It is also important to bear in mind that this will provide much stronger support to an individual than existing jobseeker's benefit. For those who are on the payment for nine months, it is again worth noting that the average payment is for three months. Most people will be on the scheme for three months and get the €450, and 70% of people have gone within six months. The majority of people are not on the scheme when it reduces to the final €300. Over the lifetime of the claim the monetary value of the pay-related benefit at the maximum rate works out at more than €14,600, which is more than €5,500 in excess of that for the standard jobseeker's benefit payment. Even with moving down and tapering, that will benefit individuals in the context of the cliff edge and, as I said, when we withdrew the pandemic unemployment payment that worked very well for individuals. Taking heed of the different comments from various inputs into our consultation they were the figures proposed to Government and ultimately accepted. It was on that basis.