Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday afternoon, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment told the media that it was hoped the Government would be in a position to announce the financial supports for the entertainment sector on Wednesday. He went on to say that it may well be that we will need to use the vehicle of the Seanad to do that in the next couple of days and, if not, we may be able to do it in the new year. I know the Tánaiste believes these new restrictions are peculiar. To be honest, I find his lack of urgency more than a little peculiar. The lack of empathy for what people are suffering is astounding.

My offices in Donegal are inundated with calls related to the restoration of the PUP, the lack of clarity around revamp of the existing schemes and in regard to the Government's lack of understanding of life on the ground. It is unfair to leave this on the long finger over Christmas. The Government needs to restore payments to a proper level for these workers affected by the current restrictions. A proper level is not the level the Tánaiste's right-wing laissez-faire focus groups have arrived at. Will the Government commit to bringing any required legislation before this House prior to the Christmas break to give people peace of mind?

See this speech in context