Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is important that they be seen as a priority group because they are largely invisible.

My next question is one the Minister, Regina Doherty, has already dealt with here today,namely, self-employed people over 66 years of age whose business was shutdown who are not entitled to the PUP but who can access the temporary wage subsidy scheme. However, a sole trader or the self employed can access neither payment. The Minister did say that those people can access the supplementary welfare scheme. My question is if they do that will that bring them up to the same level as the PUP?

The issue of Debenhams has been raised here. I agree with the Minister's remarks regarding the protests etc.. The Minister mentioned that the 1975 legislation is quite old. I refer her to the 1998 European legislation which is, in the main, about consultation etc. but it does state that "nothing in the legislation prevents a member state from ensuring more favourable terms for workers" etc.. I know it cannot be retrospective but in the context that, probably, we will see more of this, I ask that the Department takes a look at that. It appears that Debenhams has blind-sided the Department to some extent. I do not attach any blame in that regard but we must ensure it does not happen again.

In regard to Brexit, many UK firms will not consider themselves bound by EU legislation or, at best, it will be a contested reality. Again, I think we need to keep this in mind when considering updating our legislation.

I have met a number of people who have no concept of the fact that the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, and all social welfare payments and income is taxable and that come the end of the year many people will be pursued by Revenue for tax that is owed. So many people have no concept of this. A public awareness campaign is needed immediately because we are going to be hearing terrible stories at the end of the year about this. This is not the fault of the Minister, Regina Doherty, but so many people are unaware of this.

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