Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1012. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the redundancy scheme moratorium for as long as the restrictions including social distance restrictions exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11246/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government has extended the suspension of redundancy provisions relating to temporary lay-off and short-time work which arose as a result of Covid-19 until 10th August 2020. 

A temporary suspension of these provisions was introduced on 13th March under new emergency measures as the existing provisions were not considered adequate to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.  The suspension was considered vital to ensure the future viability of businesses and to help prevent further permanent job losses.  In light of the on-going emergency situation the end date of the emergency measure has been extended from 31st May 2020 to 10th August 2020. 

The Government has announced a roadmap for reopening society and businesses under which it is envisaged that most businesses should reopen by 10th August.  At that stage it is likely that employers will have a clear understanding of their labour resource needs into the future.  It is important to note  that the employee’s right to claim redundancy has not been removed, but deferred for the emergency period in circumstances of temporary lay-off or short-time employment caused by the Covid-19 crisis.  These arrangements have no effect on temporary lay-off and short-time work arising for reasons other than as a consequence Covid-19 where the rights of the employees remain unchanged.