Written answers

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Gary GannonGary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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1022. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the provisions that have been made for self-employed persons experiencing reductions in their gross income that are now operating at a loss when operating expenses are taken into account and have no income at present; if self-employed persons will be allowed to avail of the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment support; and if not, the support available to them. [8233/20]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. For self-employed people, they must have experienced a collapse of income and be available to take up other full-time work if it was available to them in order to qualify.

Where a self-employed person does not qualify for this emergency payment they can apply for a jobseekers payment. Jobseekers benefit (self-employed) was one of the measures I introduced in late 2019 which is available for self-employed people who have ceased trading. If a person’s business is operating at a reduced level they may be eligible to apply for support under the means tested jobseeker’s allowance scheme.

The Government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedentedchallenges for businesses. My colleague, the Minister for the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has introduced a range of supports and guidance for businesses available on the Department's website at www.dbei.gov.ie. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners is available to employers who keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning employers can retain links with employees for when business picks up after the crisis.

I trust this clarifies the situation.

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