The Government has extended the Pandemic Unemployment Payment until the end of March 2021 to support employees and businesses who continue to be impacted by the on-going public health restrictions. I have also secured approval to keep the scheme open to new applicants until the end of the year.
This means that anyone who loses their employment as a result of the pandemic between now and the end of the year will be able to avail of this payment. It also means that anyone who closes their claim to take up employment and subsequently loses that employment as a result of the pandemic will be able to re-apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.