Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty has said that more than 16,000 people had, so far, applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Doherty said the processing of applications for this and other payment schemes would be concluded as soon as possible.
The minister said the decision to ask elderly and vulnerable people "to cocoon" will be made based on best medical advice, but she could not say when this will be.
Ms Doherty said legislation, published last night, has two major parts - health and social protection. She said she hoped that the Government will not need to enact powers to monitor mass gatherings or treat those affected by the virus, but who refuse
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