The COVID-19 unemployment payment and wage subsidy scheme will be extended beyond mid-June.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said no decision has been made on how long it will last for or if there will be a rate reduction after next month.
He has also told the Dáil it is possible that the Coronavirus arrived in Ireland late last year or early this year, earlier than first thought.
Leo Varadkar has said that the payments being made to support businesses and people who've lost their jobs because of the virus will continue.
"It was an unprecedented action, and it's not affordable for it to last forever and I think the vast majority of people in the country understand that.
"However it will need to continue, at least until people have the opportunity to return to their jobs, and for the vast majority that won't be possible before mid-June.
"So it will be extended beyond mid-June and Im happy to say that here in the house today."
