Government must reverse discrimination against northern workers in Pandemic Unemployment scheme – Matt Carthy TD

 

Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has confirmed that he has been lobbying the Minister for Social Protection to demand that she reverse the disgraceful position that denies workers who are based in the north, who have paid their taxes and PRSI in this State, are denied access to the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.  Deputy Carthy said that the issue is particularly pronounced in his own constituency where he has liaised with dozens of cases where workers are denied supports while their colleagues can access them.

 

He said:

 

“It is unacceptable that thousands of workers – who have paid their taxes and social insurance like everyone else – are not able to access the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Benefit because they happen to live in the north.

 

“These workers are being asked to apply for Universal Credit in the 6 Counties and this is causing serious economic hardship for these workers and their families.

 

“I have been lobbying the government for the last week but they have failed to address this disgraceful anomaly.  I have written to the Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, who has yet to even respond which is very disappointing.

 

“This payment must be made available to all those who worked in this state and who paid their taxes and PRSI.  This issue is particularly pronounced in border counties like Cavan and Monaghan.  Over the past week I’ve dealt with dozens of people affected.  In some cases company employees that live just a few miles from their workplace are denied payment while their colleagues elsewhere can receive this support.  That is an unjust and unfair situation that must be addressed.

 

“This is an exceptional and emergency payment and it should be paid to all workers on an equal basis.  We in Sinn Féin will continue to press on this matter and I call again on the Minister and her colleagues in government to do the right thing”.

ENDS

Government must reverse discrimination against northern workers in Pandemic Unemployment scheme – Matt Carthy TD

2 thoughts on “Government must reverse discrimination against northern workers in Pandemic Unemployment scheme – Matt Carthy TD

  • 1st April 2020 at 11:27 pm
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    Correction there matt.. You wrote to ex minister for social protection. There is a comparison you see. She is denying the Irish tax payer on the double here. As in, their basic rights to financial assistance. And in the case of the election, denying their right to have her replaced.. Double standards eh.

    Reply
  • 5th April 2020 at 3:44 pm
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    It is a total disgrace people from.the north who work in South not receiving this payment it is totally discriminate

    Reply

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