McGrath hoping to introduce 'degree of flexibility' in social welfare system

Michael McGrath says Ireland needs to be flexible and dynamic in allowing people to work a certain number of hours without having to sign off the live register. Picture: Moya Nolan

Self-employed people will be able to work and retain their pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) under a plan to be announced on budget day, public expenditure minister Michael McGrath has said.

Mr McGrath said that because of the devastating impact of Covid-19, the social welfare system in Ireland needs to be flexible and dynamic in allowing people to work a certain number of hours without having to sign off the live register.