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

I know there are some concerns that there might not be enough time to discuss a number of issues relating to the Bill today. I am sure Senators will appreciate the pressure my Department has been under in terms of the pandemic and getting the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, up and running again. I want to make it very clear to Senators that the PUP is open to anybody who loses his or her job as a result of whatever restrictions may be introduced. It is there and is fully available to people who lose their jobs. The important thing is that we get this Bill passed in order that people can benefit from the positive measures from 1 January.

I know there has been discussion about class K and the fact that public representatives do not really get any benefits from their PRSI contributions. I have asked that this be referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands. That is the place to discuss this matter and get the all-party support we need. I think people deserve this. I know of a former Member of the Oireachtas who does not qualify for any support, which is wrong. We need to address this and I would like to see all-party support on it. It should be discussed by the joint committee and I am happy to take it forward from there. I am happy to engage with the Seanad on it because none of us know where we will find ourselves and what difficulties life will present for people. People coming into politics at a young age find they have no PRSI contributions when they reach middle age and leave politics. I think that is wrong so we should address it.

Senators Buttimer, Ahearn, Ardagh and Maria Byrne raised the possible closing time of 5 p.m. for the hospitality industry. I have not seen the advice from NPHET. It is not good practice for such letters to come into the public domain. People are concerned. Like the Senators' phones, my phone has been going all morning because people are worried. I hear all of the Senators' points and will bring them to the Cabinet meeting this afternoon. There is no doubt that we have difficult decisions to make but we will make them in the best interests of the people we represent.