Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/sebra

Paschal Donohoe: 'Wage subsidy scheme will not disappear overnight'

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme will be extended beyond the original June end date.

FINANCE MINISTER PASCHAL Donohoe has said the wage subsidy “will not be disappearing overnight”.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on the latest Exchequer figures, the minister said any decisions on the future of the scheme will be based on trying to balance the unwinding of the scheme and keeping people in jobs.

Last week, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty told the Dáil she will bring forward proposals for some changes to the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the wage subsidy scheme within the next week or so.

Doherty reiterated that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme will be extended beyond the original June end date.

“As we speak, there are over 400,000 jobs that may not be in place if it was not for the existence of the wage subsidy scheme,” said Donohoe.

The minister added that the government is hoping to make an announcement in the coming days that will outline the “future of the wage subsidy scheme across coming months into the future and the pandemic unemployment payment – we want to give guidance for both of those”.

“I’m absolutely aware that this subsidy scheme is currently keeping hundreds of thousands of citizens in a job who would otherwise may not have one,” he said.

The minister added that this was the purpose of the creation of the scheme.

“I think it’s going to be fair to say that we’ll be very careful with how we adjust it,” he added.

When asked if there will be a lengthy period of adjustment, the minister replied:

“I haven’t decided on that yet. One of the things that we are trying to evaluate at the moment is we are now approaching the end of the first phase of the reopening of the economy. And in a few weeks time we will be able to understand how companies who are on the scheme, how they change their employment and their wage levels as their part of the economy reopens. We don’t have that information at the moment. When we have that information through it will guide us regarding decisions that I make on the rest of the wage subsidy scheme.”

Donohoe said concerns employers have regarding the disappearance of wage subsidy scheme, and the effect that it will have on jobs, is something he “absolutely understands”.

Having said that, the minister said the wage subsidy scheme can’t continue forever.

“It is a hugely significant intervention in our economy. And it is one that cannot be sustained forever,” he added.

Speaking last month about the extension to the schemes, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there can’t be a situation whereby different schemes apply to unemployed.

He highlighted that some people who became unemployed before Covid-19 are receiving Jobseekers Benefit, while those who became unemployed during Covid-19 are on the €350 pandemic payment.

Those that become unemployed after Covid-19 will also have to be placed on a social welfare regime.

“At some point we’re going to need to pull them all together,” he said. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
24 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Jun 24th 2024, 10:54 PM

    The best watch of the euros so far imo. Football is a funny aul game, ain’t it?

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willie Marty
    Favourite Willie Marty
    Report
    Jun 24th 2024, 11:02 PM

    @Paul Gorry: it sure is Paul.One would have to feel sorry for Modric.Brilliant goal though.

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Gorry
    Favourite Paul Gorry
    Report
    Jun 24th 2024, 11:13 PM

    @Willie Marty: A bit surreal willie wasn’t it. The penalty miss and a few moments later that goal.

    24
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Leahy
    Favourite James Leahy
    Report
    Jun 24th 2024, 11:22 PM

    @Paul Gorry: that’s the Italians for you Paul.All it takes is one moment of brilliance.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Moore
    Favourite John Moore
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 1:06 AM

    Croatia’s big mistake was letting that goal in at the end.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William Thompson
    Favourite William Thompson
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 2:07 AM

    @John Moore: There’s a job in post match analysis waiting for you

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James T.Kirk
    Favourite James T.Kirk
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 2:09 AM

    @John Moore: Fancy commentary?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute reg morrisey
    Favourite reg morrisey
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 9:06 AM

    I’m Watching these games and thinking Ireland wouldn’t stand a chance against any of them.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A Well Known Comical Stereotype
    Favourite A Well Known Comical Stereotype
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 9:25 AM

    @reg morrisey: We will improve when Roy Keane and John O’Shea are managing them. Failing that, we may get in as a host nation, next time.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Delaney
    Favourite Paul Delaney
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 11:42 AM

    The centre half for Italy is one hell of a player great future ahead of him.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Dunne
    Favourite Mike Dunne
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 1:00 PM

    Italy aren’t good enough to win the tournament.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Dunne
    Favourite Mike Dunne
    Report
    Jun 25th 2024, 3:47 PM

    Poor quality match. I think we have seen the best of Croatia. Italy are not the team they used to be!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds