Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the level of Covid-19 related payments has tapered off in recent weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58183/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the gradual lifting of restrictions the number of customers receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has reduced dramatically to just over 57,100 compared to a peak of over 600,000 in May 2020 and 481,000 in February 2021. As the Live Register figures demonstrate, in the vast majority of cases, the decrease in PUP numbers is due to a return to work and not to a transfer to jobseeker payments. This week's figure represents a further reduction of over 3,300 on last week. Detailed statistical information on PUP is provided on the Government's website.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
