The pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, has been a crutch of immense value for thousands of workers in our society. We are now emerging from the pandemic and employment opportunities are starting to re-emerge. I ask that there be a clear signpost and roadmap for both employers and people on the PUP on when this payment will cease as the job opportunities increase in the hospitality and other sectors. We want a clear roadmap as to when payments to people will cease when their old jobs or new opportunities become available. People are looking for a clear roadmap as to when their individual circumstances will change.

First, the pandemic unemployment payment has represented an unprecedented intervention and support by the State in the personal incomes of those who have suffered and have borne the brunt of the pandemic in losing their jobs. Those payments will continue, at a very minimum, until the end of June. In between, various sectors will return in accordance with the Government's roadmap. For example, on 10 May, click and collect services will return for retail which will be fully restored on 17 May. All of the construction sector returned on 4 May and the personal services sector will be returning this month. That should naturally reduce the number on the pandemic unemployment payment. Prior to the end of June, we will bring forward any clarifications that will be required for those people who may not get their jobs back as quickly as others.