Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to play a game of semantics with the Taoiseach at this point but the reality is that sectors of the economy have been closed down because the public health advice has been that it is not safe to go to work.

All of us want the economy to reopen speedily and safely. I was not putting a question to the Taoiseach in respect of the natural reduction that will accrue as people return to work and businesses reopen. I am asking for a simple statement of assurance for those workers in sectors that have not reopened, and that may not reopen in such a speedy fashion, that they will not face cuts or reductions of any sort come July.

We are coming into the month of May at the weekend. In a spirit of fairness for workers and their families, it is only fair that they have clarity that for as long as they cannot go to work and certain businesses cannot reopen. On foot of the public health emergency and in line with public health advice, those workers, businesses and families should retain the full level of support that has been afforded to them. I simply want clarity and a full statement on that point today.

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