SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone has said there is still work to do to ensure that the Self Employed Scheme online portal is fully inclusive and Irish passports are accepted as a means of ID.
Mr McGlone commented, “The SDLP have been pushing the Finance Minister and British Government officials to secure improvements to the online portal for the Self-Employed Support Scheme. While it is welcome that people can now use a Northern Ireland driving license as a form of ID, this does not go far enough. This is still excluding people from the North who do not hold a British passport or an NI driving licence.
“Until this online portal amends its requirements and accepts an Irish passport as a form of ID, it will still discriminate against people from the North, causing them unnecessary distress and frustration.
“The Finance Minister has confirmed in a written reply to me that the work to improve this system is underway but it must pick up pace and be concluded in a speedy manner. I have also made representations to HMRC on this matter. This is an already stressful time for people across the North. There must be no further barriers to accessing support.”
ENDS
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