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

The measures the Minister announced in the July stimulus are positive. I think I heard him describe the package as the next stage in the Government's response to Covid-19 and in that context those measures are welcome. There are some omissions and missed opportunities, but there are many positives. The plan in its entirety has been described as lacking in scale and ambition by SME Recovery Ireland and there is more than a grain of truth in that statement. This seems like a holding measure, steadying the ship in turbulent waters, putting down an anchor, but not really moving forward. While stability matters, there is an understandable sense of frustration over some missed opportunities.

Let us consider some of the detail. The extension of the wage subsidy scheme and pandemic unemployment payment is very important and good news for many people. The extension of the wage subsidy scheme to the end of March 2021 and its extension to new and seasonal staff are positive, notwithstanding the excellent point my colleague, Deputy McNamara, made, which the Minister should take into consideration.

The €200 million in grant aid for retraining for those who have become unemployed is also a positive move. There have, however, also been missed opportunities. There is a real concern that those earning less than €151.50 will not get Government support. Will the Minister explain his rationale for excluding these low earners?

I expressed my views on the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, last night. We subsequently voted through a section which means that those receiving the payment should be actively looking for work. Does that mean that a person working in a bar that remains closed must actively seek work?

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