Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raised the same point during Second Stage earlier on employers who do wish to top up the payment and are clearly prohibited from doing so. There is no cost to the Exchequer in enabling employers to do that. Will the Minister explain why this is the case?

I raised this point on Second Stage. If childcare providers and others, who are in receipt of State subvention to operate their businesses make this payment , there is concern that if after six weeks they look for it to be paid back they will be told, "Well, you're okay. You got State funds through a subvention previously." The subvention is not enough for them to run their businesses. They are at a loss from private childcare fees. Some facilities want to make the payment but are concerned that they will not be able to get a refund. The body that represents childcare providers has sought clarification on this and has been unable to get the clarification.

When the subsequent application form for this payment goes out, will self-employed people be means tested and run the risk of having to make a refund after the six-week period?

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