The Government has announced that the Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme has been extended for a further two months.
This extension is due to the recent re-introduction of Covid-19 restrictions placed on the hospitality sector.
At a press conference today, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said it was vital for Government to support the hospitality sector over the coming months.
He said: "We're proposing an extension of the November rates of EWSS up to the end of January.
"That will be for all sectors in the economy, but for any company or employer to be on this they need to be able to demonstrate a 30% decline in their business."
The proposed cuts to the enhanced rates will now take place on February 1, 2022 when the two-rate payment structure of €203 and €151.50 will apply.
The scheme will now end in April 2022.
The Covid Restrictions Support Scheme has also been extended until the end of January for nightclubs and discos.
The current set of restrictions came into effect on Tuesday and includes 50% capacity limits on indoor events like concerts and social distancing in effect for pubs and restaurants.
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