"We've got to explore how we can continue to support sectors that are undoubtedly suffering as a result of the pandemic."
Government officials will meet next week in order to discuss potential changes to pandemic financial supports following the introduction of new restrictions and the steady rise of Covid-19 cases.
Last week, both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys
insisted that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) would neither be delayed in terms of imminent reductions nor restored to its original amount.
Tuesday's announced
restrictions led to an outcry from those within the
entertainment and hospitality sector, as well as rival politicians including Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, calling on the Government to provide full support to those affected.
Speaking with
RTÉ News in Cork on Saturday, the Taoiseach stated that a Cabinet sub-committee meeting on economic recovery will take place on Monday in light of the escalating situation at hand.
It is currently unclear if there will be a u-turn on the PUP, though it is expected that the Government will focus on the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
"Right throughout the pandemic, we have been clear that we want to keep the economy intact – and companies and business and jobs intact, so that when things get more active and so on that they would be in a position to grow again," the Taoiseach said.
"And that has worked, actually, in terms of the rebound of the economy over the last number of months.
"We will now, given what has transpired and given the fact that in some instances and in some areas there will be an impact from the decisions we took; yes we will be reviewing that. We will be giving that consideration early this week."
Turning his attention specifically to Ireland's entertainment industry, Taoiseach Martin added:
"We've got to explore how we can continue to support sectors that are undoubtedly suffering as a result of the pandemic."
Almost 6,000 new cases of Covid-19 were
confirmed by the Department of Health on Saturday afternoon.
Featured Image via Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie 
