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

I thank the Deputy for raising these issues. It is important to say that my Department has expended an additional €10.5 billion in supports through the PUP, TWSS and EWSS since the start of the pandemic. To be fair, the Government has not been found wanting in supporting businesses and in supporting people who have unfortunately found themselves out of work.

A number of Deputies have raised the issue of extending the PUP. It has been extended until the end of March. I certainly will review it in consultation with my Government colleagues. We will consider where the virus is at, where the vaccination programme is at and whether we have been able to open up the economy. That decision will be looked at very carefully. It is fair to say, however, that the Government has not been found wanting in supporting people.

The Deputy asked about carers.

I have spoken about this previously. The role of social protection is to give people a basic income. It does not pay people for the work they do. I get many questions about carers, and that is where there must be a more joined-up approach between my Department and the Department of Health. The Deputy is correct to say that carers are providing that service and that the costs may or may not be incurred by the State through the fair deal scheme or whatever supports are available. It is something we have to examine.

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