'The last straw': Mary Lou McDonald says wage subsidy scheme needs to be fixed quickly

The scheme involves the Government subsidising up to 85% of wages for companies hit hard by the crisis to keep staff on payroll.

Last month an irregularity was found that prevented companies from accessing it for women returning from maternity leave.

The Sinn Féin leader has accused the government of engaging in "rhetoric", over suggestions it can not fix an issue preventing women who return from maternity leave, accessing the wage subsidy scheme.

The scheme covers up to 85% percent of a person's wages, allowing companies to keep them on payroll during the current crisis.