Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I join the Minister in paying tribute to the members of An Garda Síochána who showed their bravery last night in the shocking incident in Blanchardstown. I wish them the very best and a speedy recovery. The incident highlights the risk that gardaí take. They put their bodies on the line to safeguard the public. I wish the members of An Garda Síochána well.

On the Estimates, I pay tribute to the Minister and her officials for responding comprehensively to the huge challenge presented by Covid. I welcome the Minister's comment that a decision will be made on the PUP and wage subsidy schemes in early June. We need clarity in this regard. Certain sectors, including aviation, hospitality and tourism, have been affected more than others. These sectors are major contributors to our economy and employ hundreds of thousands of people. There is a strong argument to be made for extending the supports for the sectors until the end of this year and even into next year. I encourage the Minister to give strong consideration to that proposal with her Government colleagues.

I have a couple of points to make. I acknowledge the Minister has been working to try to resolve the issues concerning community employment, CE, supervisors. She has been engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, in this regard. Could she update the committee on the position on finding a resolution to the long-standing issue? Every member of this committee will be very familiar with the case. There were hopes that it could be resolved in the immediate term. I hope the Minister will have positive news about it.

I have received queries on the payment for people who retire at 65. The Minister will be aware that there are many companies in the Clare area, including the Shannon area, that employ a lot of people. Over the years, certain people retired at 60 but they are not deemed eligible for the new payment that was introduced. I have dealt with the case of a man who was 60 when he retired. He worked for 41 years and made all the relevant contributions but appears to be 13 contributions short and is not deemed eligible for the new payment that was introduced. This is grossly unfair. I ask the Minister to examine the circumstances. Again, I thank her for her attendance at this committee and for her positive engagement.