Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the employment wage subsidy scheme for the early years sector beyond the current end date in view of comments made in the media (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5438/21]

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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203. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the employment wage subsidy scheme beyond 31 March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 203 together.

The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is a measure intended to provide support across all sectors of the economy and maintain the link between the employer and employee insofar as is possible. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment in the midst of these very challenging times. To date, subsidy payments of almost €2 billion have been made and PRSI relief worth over €300m granted to over 44,500 employers in respect of over 500,000 employees.

I have been clear that there will be no cliff-edge to the EWSS. It is noted that the legislation implementing the measure provides that it will be in place until 31 March 2021, but also provides that the scheme may be extended until the end of June 2021, should it be required.

It is likely that continued support will be necessary out to the end of 2021 to help maintain viable businesses and employment and to provide businesses with certainty to the maximum extent possible. Decisions on the form of such support will take account of emerging circumstances and economic conditions as they become clearer.

In the meantime I am satisfied that the current configuration of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) fully takes account of the changing environment around living with the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.

For those businesses who may need additional support at this time, I would draw attention to the comprehensive package of other business and employer supports that have been made available since the July Stimulus Plan and Budget 2021 - including the Covid Restriction Support Scheme (CRSS), the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the SBCI Working Capital Scheme, Sustaining Enterprise Fund, and the Covid-19 Business Loans Scheme.