The Covid-19 unemployment payment and wage subsidy scheme will be extended beyond June.
Speaking in the Dáil, the Taoiseach said no decision has been made on how long it will last for or if there will be a rate reduction after next month:
"It was an unprecedented action and it's not affordable for it to last forever and I think the vast majority of people in the country understand that. However, it will need to continue at least until people have the opportunity to return to their jobs, and for the vast majority that won't be possible before June. So, yes it will need to be extended beyond mid-June."
Our #Covid19 Income Support Helpline is open today from 9am-5pm: 1890-800-024
Our Intreo Centres are closed today & will reopen tomorrow from 10am-1pm
Use https://t.co/M2y3fHlEv2 to apply online for a range of services#COVID19ireland #Covid_19ireland pic.twitter.com/hEFHIqelvh— welfare.ie (@welfare_ie) May 7, 2020
Leo Varadkar also told the Dáil it is "very possible" that Covid-19 arrived in Ireland late last year or early this year, earlier than first thought.
He said future review of the data will give more detail.
The Taoiseach said there is some evidence that the virus was in France last year.
