Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues, the first of which is the loss of commercial rates in the local authority in my home, Longford, and in Offaly, with the closure of the power plants. I acknowledge that funding was made available for 2021 but no commitments have yet been given for the period 2022 onwards. Just transition was in place out to 2027. However, that has not happened and my county is looking at a loss of €1.2 million in rates as a result of those closures and the closure of other businesses. That is a significant financial impact for the local authority. I recently met with the Tánaiste, the Taoiseach, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ryan, and the just transition commissioner, Kieran Mulvey, and highlighted this issue. Mr. Mulvey said that it would be extremely unfair, in circumstances for which it had no responsibility and in the context of a decision that is not expected until 2027, that the local authority should be burdened with this sudden loss. He recommended that urgent engagement take place with the chief executive of the funding Department in order that suitable emergency arrangements could be put in place for the period 2021 to 2026. Arrangements for 2021 have been put in place but no other commitments have been given. All local authorities are putting budgets together for the period 2022 onwards. The reality is that we cannot sustain the loss of that income. It will severely hamper the delivery of services in our county. I ask that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, address this issue and put firm financial arrangements in place for the period from 2022 to 2026.

I also want to raise the issue of nurses who are put on placements. I know a number who were told, while on placement, that they had to give up their part-time jobs.They were not entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, or the jobseeker's allowance because they were students but had to give up their jobs, some of whom were working on placement in Dublin. That is not acceptable. They have not even received the €100 payment which they were due. Something needs to be in place in such circumstances if they are being told to give up their other part-time work. I thank the Leader and the Cathaoirleach.