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

That is because our health experts are still of the very strong view that the level of transmission of Covid-19 in our country is such that the measures we have in place will be in place for some while.

Regarding seasonal workers, the Deputy has raised that issue with me on a number of occasions. The reason they are not able to access the pandemic payment is because they were not working on 13 March. The Minister, Deputy Ross, and the Minister of State, Deputy Griffin, have asked to meet me on this matter because it is being raised with them, as it is being raised with the Deputy. I will meet them but if we were to open up the principle that anybody can access the pandemic payment, even if they were not working on 13 March, many more workers would be available to access this payment. Currently, 500,000 people are drawing down this payment, which they are entitled to and deserve.

That is the reason that particular group of workers is not able to access that payment at the moment.

On the interest rate, I have an answer and I will write to the Deputy on it.

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