50,000 more people applied for the Covid 19 pandemic payment this week alone.
584,000 people are now receiving the payment nationwide.
It means just over one million people are now either partially or fully dependent on the State for income support.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty says her Department isn’t running out of money for Covid payments any time soon.
"The basis of the solidarity contract that we have in this country with the Department of Social Protection is that I topple need a handout in certain times of our lives, supports are there until we get back to work."
