Dáil debates

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Social Welfare Benefits

9:20 am

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

We have the pathways to work strategy to help people to get back to work and to help those who want to upskill or reskill. Supports are there for people and a lot of investment has gone into pathways to work through the further education system and through my Department. We want to work with people and we want to help them because it is not an easy time for them. In terms of the PUP, it was very much needed in March 2020. The Department had to process thousands upon thousands of applications as quickly as possible to get money into people's pockets when they needed it. We are not in that position now or anywhere near it. As I said earlier, the number of applications for jobseeker's payments is actually falling. However, if the situation changes in terms of the public health advice, we will keep everything under review. That is what we have done throughout the pandemic. At the end of the day, we are all here to serve the people and to help them when they need it. That is what the Department of Social Protection wants to do.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.