Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has said that access to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) must be made “as accessible as possible” to those impacted by the latest restrictions announced on Friday.
Deputy Kerrane said that since the PUP reopened earlier this month for those impacted by COVID restrictions, workers have faced difficulties in getting the payment, especially in the entertainment sector.
She said that the fact that the PUP is only now accessible for those whose work has been impacted since December 7 has caused difficulties for those whose work was impacted prior to this date.
“For many in the entertainment sector their work had been impacted in November when the advice at that time was for people to reduce their social contacts,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“Many Musicians saw their December diaries wiped out. That is why I had asked Minister Humphreys to re-introduce the PUP.”
Deputy Kerrane said that those whose work has been impacted by public health advice should be able to easily access the PUP full stop and there should be no implications based on dates.
“Following the latest restrictions announced tonight we need to ensure that workers and families are supported, one week out from Christmas,” she said.
“I am calling on Minister Humphreys to ensure that any worker impacted by the restrictions can access the PUP.
“It needs to be as readily available as it was when first introduced. We need to support workers and businesses who are devastated by the latest announcement.”
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