Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to accept amendment No. 3 from Deputies Joan Collins and Kerrane. We do not want self-employed people to turn down work for fear that it might impact on their pandemic unemployment payment. From my engagement with musicians and artists, they have said that €960 over eight weeks would give them a bit more flexibility when it comes to taking up occasional gigs. On that basis, I am happy to accept the amendment. This is a self-declaration process. There is no application process. We are trusting people, if they earn more than €960 over eight weeks, to come and tell us. I acknowledge and recognise the work of the Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Islands and its Chairman, Deputy Naughten, who raised this issue with me, along with Jackie Conboy of the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland. I also acknowledge Deputy Cannon, who spoke to me about it, and who is a passionate and committed supporter of our musicians. I am happy to work with Members and to accept this amendment. I thank the Deputies and the Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Islands for working with me and for their co-operation.

Deputy Naughten asked which expenses will be allowable. I will make a regulation on it and the expenses will include petrol costs and insurance costs. These are costs that I can prescribe in the regulations. These are general costs that business people have. One gets an income and takes away costs to get the profit. It includes normal business costs, such as wear and tear, insurance and repairs. Whatever income is after that is what we will calculate this on.

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