Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the recourse there will be for partners of persons who are high risk and who cannot go back to work due to putting their partners at risk with current Covid-19 positivity rates so high at present when the pandemic unemployment payment ceases. [52905/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In the first instance it should be stated that there is an onus on employers to adhere to the relevant public health guidelines and protocols to protect their employees and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

There are a range of flexible work options that may be available to an employee in the situation outlined by the Deputy. Employers may allow their employees to work from home, rearrange annual leave or take paid time off that can be worked back at a later time. Where it is not possible to make appropriate compassionate leave arrangements, employees may be able to avail of some statutory entitlements including force majeure leave or carer's leave together with carer's benefit or carer's allowance.

The means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme administered by the Community Welfare Service is also available to any person who may be experiencing financial hardship. Supports provided under the scheme include Supplements and Exceptional or Urgent Needs Payments.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy at this time.