Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government acted quickly to support businesses and provide workers laid off as a result of the crisis with a safety net. I thank the Minister and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection's staff across the country, particularly those in the Intreo office in Clondalkin, for everything they have done to make that happen.

The temporary Covid wage subsidy scheme has kept 460,000 people in employment. The PUP of €350 has eased the anxiety of more than 500,000 who did not know from where their next month's rent or mortgage payment would come. In the few short weeks since the payment was announced, we have learned much about the virus - unfortunately, that it will haunt us for longer. Workers who have been laid off have no option but to rely on this payment for the immediate future. The lack of clarity on its future is adding to their anxiety and stress and affecting their mental health. We can provide them with some small level of relief by giving them clarity on the payment's future. Will the Minister outline her plans to extend the payment until the country is back on its feet?

I also ask that, as she considers the future of the wage subsidy scheme, she be mindful of businesses with traditionally high staff turnover rates.

Small retailers in Clondalkin and Lucan, for example, may employ 20 people as standard, but the usual churn of staff could mean that not all of their workforce may qualify for the wage subsidy scheme currently. This is the case where new employees are hired to replace employees who have left. Would the Minister consider allowing companies in this situation to apply for the wage subsidy scheme based on the number of employees rather than the names of the employees who were on their books in February?

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