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

Regarding the PUP, it exists in tiers and it has been aligned to recipients' previous income. Turning to those people who cannot go to work because of caring duties, we have stated that, in the first instance, they should try to work with their employers to try to find a way to work around the difficulties.

In fairness, many employers have done that and have worked with their employees so they could work flexible hours and try to balance everything. This is not easy for anybody. With regard to those who cannot go to work or cannot get other child care arrangements, the PUP is available to people who cannot get to work and who would not get paid by their employer.

Of course, this is a difficult time for everybody. I understand the point about the music industry and that people have been unemployed for a long time. It is not easy for them.

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