Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I should say that the Minister for Social Protection was the person who recognised that there was a need to reopen the PUP, has always been at pains to say that we have to look after the people who are most in need and are the most impacted by the restrictions. I think it is important to put that point on the record. The PUP is open for people to go back on it. People who came off it previously can go back on the PUP. Those who did not return do work continue to receive the PUP at the rate of €250 per week and can earn €960 over an eight-week period. They can earn €120 a week. If they get a gig or an event, they can earn that without it having any impact on their PUP whatsoever. That is an exceptional provision, which has not traditionally been there in relation to a number of other social welfare codes. The PUP has been reopened for those impacted by the recent restrictions. I ask people to engage with the Department of Social Protection. The Deputy's feedback has been listened to and will be taken on board. The PUP is there and is open for new applicants who have been directly impacted by these restrictions.

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