Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe the PUP is a disincentive to returning to work. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, has shown in its recent study, 95% of workers would be better off back at work. The PUP was an effective response to unemployment brought about the pandemic. The best way to secure the future of the industry and workers' incomes is to facilitate a safe and sustainable reopening that secures employment and income in the longer term.

The tourism and hospitality sector, as the Deputy is aware, is a large employer. It is not surprising, after such a long period of closure, there are difficulties restarting, especially if workers have moved or taken up other employment. I understand the caution employees may feel about the future and their concern about potential future closures. The best way to address that is to support workers and businesses to help them get back to normal trading.

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