Dáil debates

Thursday, 28 May 2020

Estimates for Public Services 2020 (Resumed)

 

4:55 pm

Photo of Pádraig O'SullivanPádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Unlike my colleague, Deputy McAuliffe, I have no problem repeating myself or repeating what has been said earlier in the House. First, I acknowledge that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, agreed earlier that something will be done to allay the concerns of women returning to work after maternity leave cover. I welcome that response. Perhaps the Minister would elaborate on what is to come to allow those women to return to work and receive what is just. At present, it can only be described as a discriminatory situation and I ask the Minister for clarity on it.

On another matter, I wish to raise the plight of those who are still waiting for Covid-19 payment arrears. These need to be paid. Many people who have contacted my office are waiting five and often six weeks to get the payment to which they are entitled. I acknowledge that priority must be given to new applicants for the payment. Getting people on the system should be a priority for any Department, but could the Minister give an indication to the people who are waiting weeks for those arrears when it is likely they will be dealt with?

Can the Minister also give some clarity on jobseeker's allowance? Many people who have lost a job are in receipt of a Covid-related payment. If or when that payment ceases in the future and should they fail to regain employment, can she clarify if any consideration will be given to these people if they need to apply for jobseeker's allowance? How they will be treated in terms of that payment? As a result of this crisis many people who might have significant outgoings in terms of mortgages, investments and so forth could be deemed ineligible for jobseeker's allowance if they have significant savings, investments, cash or property. Can the Minister clarify if there are any plans to cater for this group who have been affected by Covid-19?

My last question relates to those over 66 years of age. Deputy O'Dea mentioned this matter earlier today. It is similar to the issue of the payment for people returning from maternity cover. Again, it is one of the anomalies we need to work on. Could the Minister clarify the position on that?

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