Budget 2021: Covid-19 support payments are here for the long haul

The fact that the Minister for Finance opted not to restore the previous level of the PUP suggests the scheme will be around for some time

Both the PUP and the original temporary wage subsidy scheme were introduced to counteract the initial impact of Covid-19

This was never going to be a budget about putting more money in people’s pockets but, rather, about staving off further hardship where possible.

The “unprecedented” €17.75 billion budget is tackling the dual threats of Covid-19 and Brexit, and while strong corporate tax receipts have offset some of the impact, much is to be done to aid families, young people and the elderly in the coming year.

No changes to income tax will provide something ...