An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has promised that the Government will make sure the self-employed, including farmers, will be “covered” financially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Raising unemployment support

For PAYE workers, which can include part-time farmers, the Government’s emergency support payment will be increased from €203/week to €350/week for people who have lost their job as a result of the pandemic.

The payment will last for the duration of the pandemic, during which time people should apply for the Jobseekers Allowance if they have other dependents. The payment is also available to the self-employed.

The increased payment will be paid from this Friday providing legislation passes through the Dáil.

An Taoiseach also announced a scheme whereby the Government will pay 70% of a workers’ salary – up to a maximum of €410/week and the employer is encouraged to pay the remaining 30%.

Illness benefit

The illness benefit for people who have contracted the virus or who have been forced to self-isolate will also be increased to €350/week.