The Government has confirmed that a fourth rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) will be added for those who had been earning over €400 a week prior to being made redundant due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The increased payment will be automatically applied for new PUP applicants while existing recipients will have their payment increased from next week.
In line with the changes to the PUP, the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has also been increased to a maximum amount of €350 per week.
This week approximately 244,000 people received the PUP, with Revenue paying €254 million to 31,700 employers on behalf of 335,000 workers as part of the EWSS in September.
It was also confirmed that fortnightly social welfare payments would be restored to a weekly basis from Monday, November 2nd.
In a press briefing today, the decision for schools to remain open despite Level 5 restrictions was also discussed, identifying the low rate of transmission in schools compared to the rate of transmission in the community as a key driver in the decision.
Echoing the advice of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, people were urged to act as if they are a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19 and to adhere to public health guidance.
