Number receiving PUP rises

People working in the hospitality sector are the largest cohort of payment recipients.

The number of people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Cavan has increased this week.

Figures from the Department of Social Protection show 1,005 people got the payment on January 10, up from 820 the previous week.

The number across the country receiving the payment has risen past 75,000 since Christmas, up by more than 8,700 in the last week alone.

€19.3 million was paid in PUP payments, with the majority believed to be employed in the hospitality sector.

The scheme reopened in December after the latest round of restrictions were announced as the Omicron variant arrived in Ireland.

Pubs, restaurants and some other businesses must close at 8pm, with nightclubs closed completely.

The reopened scheme saw payments linked to a person's previous pay, with five new rates of payment of €350, €300, €250, €208 and €150.