Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the brief time I have, I will highlight two categories of people facing challenges, namely, musicians and small business people. I am aware that in December, it was announced that self-employed people, including artists and musicians, in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment looking to restart their businesses can earn up to €960 over eight weeks, without their PUP being affected. The Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, MEAI, however, which represents many musicians and entertainers, has stated that what is really needed is the reinstatement of the PUP at €350 per week, as well as the EWSS at €410 per week until the industry reopens without social distancing. The MEAI is also seeking legislation guaranteeing payment breaks from mortgages and loans from financial institutions and the creation of a survival package and scaffolding support structures for self-employed individuals and businesses. In her reply, the Minister might also update me on the MEAI call for a hardship fund to be created jointly by the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Arts Council.

I also raise the issue of people who run small businesses. I am dealing with one constituent who runs a small business and she gets just €203 per week. As a result, she is falling behind in her payment of bills associated with the business. She has applied for the CRSS, but is still waiting for her application to be processed. In that context, will the rates being paid to people in that situation in respect of small businesses be reviewed? Will there also be a review of the criteria, which are too stringent for people running small businesses?

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