Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe said no decision has been made yet on extending the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment beyond 8 June.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Donohoe said he recognises the strain and worry that many people are under, adding that he wants to assure them that "we're going to do what we can to keep the jobs we have".
He said the Government is evaluating what it might be able to afford in the future and what happens with employment levels in Phase One of easing Covid-19 restrictions, which is due to begin on 18 May.
The Minister said that we have to get our country back to work. Mr Donohoe said he understands the concerns people have, but said the schemes are costing