Leo Varadkar has given a warning to anyone trying to skirt around the rules of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The country is set to reopen further over the next few weeks, with Micheál Martin addressing the nation this evening to announce the reopening of pubs, cinemas, gyms and others.
Speaking to reporters after the Taoiseach's announcement, Leo Varadkar said:
"In relation to people returning to work- 25,000 people cancelled their PUP payments last week. We appreciate the value of the financial support and any withdrawal of that will be gradual and won't start until people have the opportunity to return to work."
He was questioned as to whether there were cases of people returning to work and not coming off the PUP.
That gave him the opportunity to fire a warning to anyone who was planning to do so.
"If you refuse to take your job back when it's offered to you, you lose your PUP entitlement and employers can report that. We will ask people to confirm that they are still eligible for PUP, that worked last summer when asked.
"As things stand, about 25,000 are coming off it a week."
The country is set for a good summer as restrictions continue to ease, giving signs of normality resuming as the vaccination rollout continues.
Addressing the nation this evening, Micheál Martin confirmed that pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open indoors from July 5.
Restrictions on international travel may be lifted from July 19, allowing the return of sun holidays and sports fans will be allowed to attend match fixtures from July - but this is dependent on the Covid situation.
Cinemas and gyms will also be allowed to reopen from June 7.
