Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Some sector representatives have claimed the issue is one of some workers feeling it is not worth their while to work when they can remain on the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP. Some in government, the media and the industry have created the false narrative people are abusing the PUP. It is not backed up by any data. An Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, representative, who recently appeared before an Oireachtas committee, put forward the facts there and stated there was no basis for it whatsoever.

I have sympathy with the sector. It is not trying to take away from the hardship it has had over the past year and a half but the issue has to be addressed, for the sake of workers and employers.

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