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

I thank the Ceann Comhairle; I am finally getting up to speak. I thank the Minister. I was pleased to hear the responses of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, earlier today when he talked about adjusting the temporary wage subsidy for women who returned from maternity leave in March or April. That is a very important step and I am glad that while we still do not know the detail, the Minister is taking it.

I asked the Minister further about the extension of maternity leave. I know that is not his bailiwick - I think it is that of the Minister for Justice and Equality - but it is a whole-of-Government approach. There are many good reasons to look at that. The Minister, Deputy Doherty, heard them today. I do not need to go back on them but if this is part of her discussions will she, please, try to make the case that this is a good solution on many different levels?

I also asked the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, about sole traders over the age of 66. They cannot access the pandemic unemployment payment or the temporary wage subsidy scheme whereas if one is over 66 and employed, one can access the temporary wage subsidy scheme and if one is under the age of 66, one can access both. We have three different situations which depend on two things, first, one's birthday and, second, whether one is a sole trader or employed. Is there any way this anomaly can be dealt with and that gap filled? I will take an answer to that question first.

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