I seek clarity from the Taoiseach because I heard earlier that the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, which was due to end this week is to be extended until December. Did I hear that correctly? If it is being extended until December, will it be open to new applicants? Is it ending this week for existing applicants?

It is open to new applicants to the end of December. Given the trajectory of the virus and what happened in Laois, Offaly and Kildare recently, local restrictions could be put in place which could necessitate a reduction in economic activity, resulting in people being out of work. Therefore, we felt that such people should be entitled to apply for the PUP in respect of measures mandated by Government on foot of public health advice.