Irish Examiner view: Lift pandemic restrictions to save the economy

Ireland’s unemployment rate has now risen to 7.5%, while the average rate in most other OECD countries is much lower.

A person walks past a sign outside a pub in Dublin, ahead of a new 8pm closing time for pubs and restaurants in Ireland beginning this evening. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

Whatever the Government decides on the easing of restrictions must be done not just for the health of the nation, but for the ongoing harm they are doing to the economy and people who have lost their jobs as a result.

The extent of the pandemic restrictions on unemployment is clear. Ireland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was just over 5% in November — 6.9% if those on PUP payments are included.