Largest Drop So Far In The Number Of People Claiming The Pandemic Unemployment Payment

67,000 who were claiming the payment last week are now back to work

Cabinet will also consider a memo today that will fix a hole in the legislation that meant people on the pandemic payment were not building up PRSI contributions.

It could have had impacts for maternity and illness benefits as well as people's pensions - but will be remedied with new legislation.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys welcomed the news that more people are getting back to work and leaving the payments: