It comes as the latest restrictions have stifled the hospitality industry.

Today, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD have revealed plans for enhanced support for businesses who qualify for the wage subsidy scheme for December 2021 and January 2022.

The end date of the scheme is now 31 January 2022 to align with the closure of nightclubs until January 9.

Speaking today, Minister Donohoe said, “I fully appreciate the difficulty many businesses have been presented with in recent weeks given the evolving situation with Covid-19 and recent decisions taken regarding public health restrictions.

As announced last week it was intended to develop further targeted support for those sectors that are most affected by these restrictions and to have this support in place quickly. Upon further analysis of the proposal by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners, it became clear that it would be complex to develop an appropriate and effective scheme in the immediate term.

Instead, I have decided to extend the enhanced rates of EWSS for the months of December and January to give certainty to businesses when they need it most.

The Government and I have been clear that there will be no cliff edge to supports for employers but we have also been clear that the EWSS cannot run indefinitely, nor is it sustainable to continue with the enhanced rates for a prolonged period of time given the very substantial costs to the Exchequer.

From 1 February 2022, the original two-rate structure of €203 per week and €151.50 per week will apply; for March and April 2022 the flat rate subsidy of €100 per week will apply and the scheme will end on 30 April 2022.

The CRSS will be extended until 31 January 2022 to allow nightclubs who are closed under Health Regulations until 9 January access to this much needed support.”

Elsewhere on District: The Ultimate Merch Guide To Support Irish Artists This Christmas.