Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, for being here to take this Topical Issue. This matter is of crucial importance for many people who have applied for the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, but who have encountered what can only be described as a bureaucratic mess.

Initially, the pandemic unemployment payment was a flat-rate payment of €350 per week. It provided solace and support to tens of thousands of workers and business people who had been forced to close their doors. The Government decided to amend the PUP from a flat rate of €350 for every individual who applied to a tiered system that resulted in different payments depending on people's previous salaries. Difficulties have arisen predominantly, it appears, for small business owners in respect of whom the Department does not have a clear or immediate access to PRSI contributions. This could have and should have been identified as an issue prior to the new system being introduced and prior to the most recent lockdown and restriction measures.

After the Tánaiste, Deputy Varadkar, decided to kick about the National Public Health Emergency Team on live television with regard to its recommendations for level 5, the Government subsequently moved to exactly that position a short time later. The rationale given by the Government at the time was to ensure that the additional time as a result of the delay was to ensure all measures could be put in place to support small business owners and people who might be affected economically. In that regard, it was a downright disaster for many of the people who have been in contact with me. Shortly after the new regime came into place, I received an email from a constituent of the Minister and of mine. It stated that due to phase 4 restrictions, the business was forced to close on Friday 16 October. The person applied online for the PUP and received an email on the Friday evening stating the person was not entitled to the payment but to forward any documents to a different email address. The person checked online at www.mywelfare.iebut there was no notification looking for the person's documents. There was only a notification stating that the application was being processed. There was also a warning notification stating that the MyGovID service does not send details asking for financial or personal documents to be emailed. I could read dozens of similar emails that I have received. I could read dozens of text messages and relay dozens of telephone calls I have had with distressed people. These are predominantly people like hairdressers. Quite a number of them are small business owners. They were forced to close their doors as a result of the Government decision. The Government did not have the work done to provide them with supports.

Many of the cases that have been brought to my attention have been resolved following interaction with the Department. I thank the Minister's staff who are involved in this area in that regard. Yet, people should not have to go to their local politician to get what they are entitled to in respect of Covid assistance. It should be provided readily. Measures need to be put in place to resolve that.

Will the Minister ensure that the anomalies clearly in place are resolved for all outstanding applicants? Will the Minister ensure that the anomaly whereby many employers who have been forced to close their doors and who have been put on a reduced payment is resolved? We have the ludicrous situation in our county where employers have had to close their doors and they are on payments lower than those of their workers as a result of this debacle. Finally, will the Minister give clarification on the PUP recipients from the initial stage in March, April and May? Will the Minister clarify the position on those owed arrears in PUP? Will they all be paid prior to the Christmas period?

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