Cuts to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme have been reversed and the supports extended until the end of January.
Ministers said it was the best way to provide financial backing to the hospitality and live events sector after ditching plans for direct payments over concerns they wouldn't be ready before Christmas.
The commercial rates waiver has been extended until the end of March while businesses fully closed by restrictions can claim the CRSS payment until the end of January.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath says he hopes the extended wage subsidy scheme can get businesses through the coming months;
"This approach has the added benefit as well that it will encourage employers to keep employees on the books. So, we have decided to reopen the PUP which was the right thing to do for people who lost their jobs but reinstating the top rate of EWSS does now give employers that option and indeed it is strongly encouraged by government to keep employees on the books."
Meanwhile
