Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the Deputy's initial questions, on the wage subsidy scheme, especially the focus on the sole trader, she will be aware that it was an issue at the beginning. We made strong representations. The solution was not the perfect one but at least those affected could have access to a payment of €350. This did not feature originally in terms of the initial negotiations for the bespoke model.

I agree absolutely in respect of all the other issues the Deputy identified. We continue to represent those concerned. Some of the issues have been identified and are part of the revenue scheme that sits underneath the childcare scheme. We are aware of those.

I agree absolutely on the issue of sustainability . As I believe the Deputy will be aware, everything we have done since the outbreak of the pandemic has been with the objective of having sustainability, in addition to the significant number of different supports, provided in different ways, for the sector itself, whether in respect of wages or overheads. Programme support payments were brought forward to support the cash flow. All of these must be borne in mind. As she identified, there is a sustainability fund that takes in the private sector, etc. Conversations in this regard are ongoing in the Department. I am supportive of anything in favour of sustainability. We want to find ways to ensure we keep the sector with us. Of course, everyone decides for themselves whether they will sign up to schemes such as the temporary wage subsidy scheme for the childcare sector. The figure of 83% is really good. At the same time, it means 17% are not encapsulated. There are all sorts of reasons for this but most of the employees are probably supported in some way because they may be on the pandemic unemployment payment. We will, however, continue to find ways to see whether we can keep them with us. Maybe when we open the childcare for healthcare workers and move on to the next phase of reopening, some of the other services would come to that scheme. To be clear, as the Deputy will be aware, the current temporary wage subsidy scheme for the childcare sector is one scheme and there is another for the childcare for healthcare workers. Those are two different schemes. Some may opt for the second who have not been able to opt for the first.

I agree with what Deputy Funchion said about domestic violence. As we know, it is a global issue as well. It is going on in probably every country and in every setting. I think Deputy Funchion is aware that this was one of the top priorities for Tusla in its initial response to the pandemic and in our work with it. As the Deputy pointed out, Tusla advised that there is currently reduced capacity within some refuges due to the requirement for social distancing. To mitigate the impact, an additional 46 refuge and non-refuge accommodation units for service users have been secured in the community. Tusla has advised that a number of services also have access to additional spaces on an as-needed basis but there is still not a sufficient number yet.

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