I propose to take Questions Nos. 1192, 1221, 1222, 1223 and 1224 together.
This week, my Department issued COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment payments valued at over €200 million to 585,000 people. Projected expenditure for up to 12 weeks payment is in excess of €2.2 billion.
The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, published by the Government on 1 May 2020 sets out a timetable for the phased reopening of society and the economy and envisages a series of steps which will lead to the resumption of various sectors of the economy. As this situation continues to evolve, decisions around the future of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be taken by Government having regard to a range of factors including how the public health situation evolves and the effects of the re-opening of Phase 1 which are being carefully monitored.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.