More than 140,000 workers in Dublin are still receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as 1,422 people in the capital closed their claims last week.
There are 6,098 fewer people in the country on the payment this week compared to last but 437,149 people in Ireland are still in receipt of it.
In a stark sign of the impact the pandemic is having on the hospitality sector, 106,158 people on the payment are without work in accommodation and food services, while the closure of non-essential retail leaves 70,083 in wholesale and retail out of employment.
Less than half of PUP recipients are receiving the full €350, with 48% in receipt of the figure each week.
Construction is the sector that has seen the largest decrease in the number of people receiving PUP this week, with 1,591 fewer people receiving the payment compared to last.
The Wholesale and Retail sector has seen a decrease from 71,099 to 70,083, followed by the Accommodation and Food Service activities which has decrease from 107,043 to 106,158.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said: "Today’s figures underline the importance of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in terms of supporting people who lost their jobs due to the virus.
“Since its introduction last March, over 21 million Pandemic Unemployment Payments have been made to over 857,000 people.
“I know people are feeling weary and fatigued.
“The efforts that you are all making are crucial to keeping the virus suppressed and therefore protecting lives while we roll out the vaccination programme, which is being significantly ramped up this month as the supply of vaccines increases.
“By keeping our guard up and staying course, we will beat this virus and can look forward to brighter days ahead.”
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