A statement published on gov.ie has revealed that the Department of Social Protection issued Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) payments of €19.3 million to 75,648 people this week for the period from December 31 to January 6, which represents an 8,743 increase in the number of PUP recipients.
The statement noted that the sector that has the largest number of PUP recipients this week is the accommodation and food services activities, with 16,098 recipients.
This is followed by the wholesale and retail trade sector, with 12,207 recipients, and the administrative and support service activities sector, with 8,070 recipients this week.
Over €9 billion has been paid in PUP to date.
Live Register
The statement also noted that the latest PUP figures are in addition to 164,626 people who were on the Live Register at the end of November of 2021.
Enhanced Illness Benefit
Additionally, 25,073 people received the Enhanced Illness Benefit (EIB) this week, valued at €9.7 million.
To date, the total amount paid in EIB is €190.7 million.
Minister For Social Protection Statement
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys stated, "The increasing number of people receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit demonstrates just how easily this virus can spread.
"This financial support is there for any employee or the self-employed person who cannot work because they have been diagnosed with the virus or they have to self-isolate.
"My Department is processing the applications for this payment as quickly as possible. The quickest and easiest way to apply for this payment is online through www.MyWelfare.ie."
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