Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the figures she provided in respect of Carlow. I, too, welcome the fall in the number on the PUP because it is so important that we reopen the country as best we can. We are definitely on the way to doing so. I am concerned that support be maintained for the people who need it, such as those in the accommodation and hospitality sector who have not fully returned to work. I welcome that the scheme remains open to new entrants until 30 June but one of my big concerns relates to people who have been left behind.

I am particularly concerned about those who turned 66 during pandemic. What supports are in place for them? This issue has come up several times at my clinics and it is important that we do whatever we can in terms of providing supports in this area. I ask the Minister to come back to me with an answer on that issue.

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