Written answers

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

631. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment of €350 will be suspended in view of the fact it was a 12-week temporary payment; and if not, the length of time it will be extended for. [10052/20]

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

645. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a submission by an organisation (details supplied) will be supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9816/20]

Photo of Duncan SmithDuncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

647. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will extend current support payments for photographers and videographers in view of the fact that due to the nature of their business they will be affected by business closure longer than other sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9866/20]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

672. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will continue as long as social distancing and other restrictions are in place for those employed in businesses impacted by these restrictions in order to ensure income stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10198/20]

Photo of Christopher O'SullivanChristopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

674. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to ensure the pandemic unemployment payment end dates will be addressed on a sector by sector basis in acknowledgement that some sectors of the workforce will take longer to get back on their feet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10248/20]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

675. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered the recovery plan of an organisation (details supplied); and if additional supports will be provided to sectors most impacted by Covid-19. [10271/20]

Photo of Johnny GuirkeJohnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

677. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures to be put in place to extend the Covid-19 reliefs duration to professions such as self-employed photographers and videographers and so on likely to be the in the last sections to return to normal employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10336/20]

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

687. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider providing sectors most impacted by the Covid-19 crisis with certainty in relation to the continuation of the pandemic unemployment payment, in particular photographers and videographers that are especially impacted by the pandemic and will be slower to recover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10475/20]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631, 645, 647, 672, 674, 675, 677 and 687 together.

The COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment was introduced as a time limited emergency measure in response to the pandemic for an initial 12 week period. The Government has, as of last Friday, approved the extension of this payment until 10th August. Changes were also announced to the structure of this payment which means that it continues to be a strong support but is also fair and targeted.

The Government is mindful of the fact that there are certain professions and businesses which will be affected by business closures longer than other sectors, including self employed photographers and videographers, and the confirmation that this payment will be available until early August provides financial certainty to people in these sectors. My colleague, the Minister for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has introduced a range of supports and guidance to assist businesses with their recovery from the severe financial impacts of the pandemic and the details are available on that Department's website at www.dbei.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the position at this time.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.