Economic supports must be cornerstone of Covid recovery
Launching the party’s Dáil motion on a National Aggressive Suppression Strategy, Labour finance spokesperson Ged Nash called on Government to present its clear vision for economic supports and recovery post-Covid.
Deputy Nash said:
“On two occasions, this Government has postponed the publication of the Natioanl Economic Plan, and we’re calling on the Government to provide some certainty on the overall direction of the economy over the next two to three years. The Government must continue to ensure supports are in place for businesses, employers and workers at this very difficult time.
“More importantly, we want Government to commit to vital measures like the employment wage subsidy scheme that continues to link workers with their employers during this very difficult time for our economy. We note and welcome the Government’s development of a Covid-19 Business Aid Scheme to address the concerns in the events, entertainment and other sectors, which the Labour Party continuously raised with the Government, but we need a focused strategy in place to ensure that other sectors and workers do not fall through the cracks.
“The Minister for Finance has confirmed that an extension of the EWSS will cost the exchequer an additional €3.7 billion, which would be money well spent as we can’t afford to see any further unemployment in the State. It is much more sensible to protect existing jobs than it is to create new ones.
“Difficulties will remain for our economy, there is no doubt about that, but there must be no cliff edge on the conclusion of any supports currently in place because that would be catastrophic for workers, jobs and businesses.”