I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 504, 518 and 532 together.
Since last March over 14 million payments have issued under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) with over 820,000 people receiving support under the scheme. The total cost of PUP to date is over €5.3 Billion. These figures reflect the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on our economy and society and demonstrate also the Government's commitment to continue to provide effective targeted supports.
PUP will remain available until 31st March 2021 and I recently secured Government approval to retain payment at the existing rates which provides a level of reassurance to recipients at this time, including those in sectors, including aviation, most impacted by the pandemic.
The Government will continue to keep all aspects of the PUP under review and future decisions will be informed by the trajectory of the pandemic and the evolving public health situation.