Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 section 28A

Objectives of section 28B, purposes for which its provisions are enacted and certain duty of Minister for Finance respecting those provisions' operation

Section 28A sets out the objectives and purposes of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), and establishes the Minister for Finance's duty to monitor the scheme and periodically assess whether adjustments are needed.

• The EWSS aims to stimulate the economy to counter the effects of Covid-19 and, if applicable, the impact of a no-deal Brexit
• The scheme's provisions are designed to ensure efficient use of public funds, target support where genuinely needed, protect the public finances, and maintain childcare provision
• The Minister for Finance must monitor the scheme and carry out assessments at least every two months, reviewing unemployment data, State finances, and other relevant economic information
• Following each assessment, the Minister may exercise powers under section 28B(21) to adjust or discontinue scheme payments, after consulting with the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Employment Affairs and Social Protection

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