Damien McCallion, the HSE lead on vaccines, makes it clear that there will be no choice of which jab people receive 

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said the restrictions on live events and hospitality which come into effect from Tuesday would impact jobs, so reopening access to the PUP was the right thing to do

Opposition TDs raise concerns as Tánaiste says Government plans to make changes to EWSS, PUP, and other supports 

Long-term recipients of the PUP will also receive the bonus

Following what ministers called a "grim" presentation from health chiefs, the country is set to see a return to some Covid-related restrictions.

A curfew will be introduced on Thursday to bars, clubs and restaurants where they will now have to close by midnight

A routine traffic stop in Midleton turned into a fast-moving garda investigation — and it has uncovered an international crime gang preying on health workers and defrauding the State

The reduction in Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) recipients has continued to slow, with a 3,468 person fall noted by the Department of Social Protection this week.

Revenue figures last week showed there were 359,800 people in July whose wages and salaries were being subsidised under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme

Accommodation and food services accounted for the single largest number of people on the PUP, down by just over 2,000 people from last week, new figures show

Economists have said it will take some time for unemployment to fall back to 4.8% where it stood on the eve of the pandemic

Almost one-third of general Government expenditure last year was spent on social protection, according to new figures from the Department. The statistical information on social welfare services annual report 2020, published on Monday, found that €30.

Our special Spotlight report revealed, many people in their 20s and early 30s are fearful for their futures

It’s too early to assess the scale of the economic effects of Covid-19 on Ireland’s under-25s — but current levels of joblessness and lack of opportunities for young people may be an early indication that its impact will be deep and long-lasting, writes Maresa Fagan

Ireland's emergency welfare schemes track Covid recovery as employees return to work 

'The vast majority of PUP recipients would be financially better off in employment'

Large group of retail workers still on the scheme points to the potential danger of long-term scarring from the pandemic, economists say

Here's a snapshot of what has been announced

PUP will be phased out, but other pandemic supports will be retained for the coming months 

'Cloud of uncertainty hanging over' workers reliant on pandemic unemployment payment

60% of the labour force needed some sort of welfare payment since the onset of the pandemic 14 months ago, CSO figures reveal

 A man has been charged with 20 counts of falsely claiming the Pandemic Unemployment Payment over a near-six month period, totalling €6,650.

Irish income support schemes almost certain to be extended as Department of Finance predicts prolonged pandemic scarring

The number requiring a pandemic payment or subsidy plus those on the live register is down from 1.2m in the first lockdown

Government approval of new legislation for mandatory quarantine at hotels was delayed last night as “tweaks” to the laws failed to get over the line.

Wedding stipends have disappeared, collections have dwindled and incomes have fallen by up to 50% across the diocese of Kerry.

Income tax accrued on the PUP this year is payable in 2021, a change from the system in place last year

Those who receive Pandemic Unemployment Payments in 2021 will have to pay income tax in real time, unlike those who received it last year, who have four years to settle their bill

Officials also explored the possibility of a revamped 'home renovation' incentive. 

Chairman of Eurogroup finance minister says slice is 'fair share' of fund, as numbers on PUP near 460,000 this week

More than 398,200 people required pandemic unemployment payment this week, including seven out of ten people in accommodation and food service and one in five building workers

The union's general secretary Patricia King said a pledge by Government not to cut the PUP again would help rally support for the new restrictions

Department of Social Protection concerned that 'not all PUP recipients are closing their claims on return to work'

Man charged with claiming thousands of euro in Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Gardaí suspect there are other cases of gangs defrauding the State of Covid unemployment payments after arresting a key target in Cork.

People returning to work this week will be able to reapply for the PUP payment in January if restrictions are put in place again, a government spokeswoman has clarified.

While the government announced a July Stimulus package totalling €8bn, much more is needed to offset the impact of lockdowns and the total shutdown of some industries for seven months

Seán Sherlock called for the reinstatement of the four extra weeks of fuel allowance in 2021

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned that Ireland cannot continue to rely disproportionately on corporation tax to fund the economy.

The Taoiseach says the government is examining restoring full pandemic payments and other subsidies for the arts and hospitality sectors.

'Now is not the time to be cutting supports,' says Mary Lou McDonald

Mary Lou McDonald has said she is "astounded and gobsmacked" by the decision to hire more Government advisors at a time when the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has been cut.

New rates of PUP could continue past April, when they are due to be phased out entirely

There are so many questions regarding control checks and travel information. Will we ever get any answers writes Cianan Brennan