Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will keep this under review, as I have done since introducing EWSS and its predecessor, the temporary wage subsidy scheme. Both of them have paid out more than €8 billion to support employers and have played a vital role in protecting our country's economy. Making a change to the date of 1 January 2022 would require a legislative change.

As to whether I support the Government's current policy on the pandemic unemployment payment, I do. While I accept that last night's decision is impacting workers and businesses, I believe that our decision is the right one. As with any decision, it will have to be kept under review.