Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and I congratulate her on her appointment. This is the first opportunity I have had to do so. This question relates to the eligibility for the Covid illness payment, which is an enhanced illness benefit. There is a large degree of confusion as to the difference between persons who have to self-isolate and those who have to restrict their movements and, by extension, confusion about their entitlements from the State, in particular when they find themselves in a situation when they need to restrict their movements.

We have a situation in this country at present with retail workers. Last week, I was contacted by Mandate trade union and it also contacted the Minister to seek clarification. Its members are front-line retail workers interfacing with the public day in, day out. They are also low-paid workers and have no cushion when it comes to being out sick. There is a real concern about what entitlements they have if they are a close contact of a confirmed case and need to restrict their movements.

Not only is the Minister of State's reply very important but the communication to the wider public is critical. People do not understand their entitlements. I would like to understand the number who, if they are eligible, have sought Covid-19 payments because they are self-restricting. Of course, this is dependent on the Minister of State telling me they are entitled to it in the first place. I look forward to the response.