Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to amending the pandemic unemployment payment scheme by way of a compensatory payment for publicans nationwide over 66 years of age (details supplied). [42236/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a statutory support payable to people between the ages of 18 and 66 which is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment.

People aged 66 years and over are provided for through the contributory State pension or the non-contributory State means tested pension.

A person aged over 66 who is in employment may retain their State pension and employment income.

If a person does not have the required number of contributions to receive the maximum rate of State pension contributory they may qualify for an increased rate of State non-contributory pension, depending on their circumstances.  People receiving the non-contributory State pension who also have employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose their employment income due to the pandemic or if their employment income is reduced. 

People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to ancillary supports which include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance. The fuel allowance and living alone allowance were both increased in Budget 2021 to €28.00 and €19.00 per week respectively

A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.

My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has provided for a range of supports for businesses affected by Covid-19, including pubs, bars and nightclubs. Further information is available at the website at www.dbei.ie

I trust that this clarifies the position.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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149. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) aged over 66 who has had their employment impacted by Covid-19, had been making PRSI contributions while in employment and was also in receipt of a contributory widow’s pension is excluded from being eligible to apply for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42319/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme payable to people aged between 18 and 66 years of age. This is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment. It also reflects the fact that people aged 66 or over do not pay any social insurance contributions.  

It would appear that the person concerned has paid PRSI contributions while over the age of 66. These are refundable.  To apply for a refund, a person can apply online at:

This person’s employer should also adjust their returns to reflect this. 

People aged 66 and over may also be entitled to a range of ancillary supports which include free travel, fuel allowance, household benefits package for gas or electricity costs and living alone allowance. 

Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may also access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.