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Up to 90,000 people could leave the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and return to work soon under the plan to ease restrictions that will be agreed by the government tomorrow.
This includes 26,000 workers employed in the retail and wholesale sector, according to RTÉ News.
Extensive research, carried out by government departments and independent consultants, has focused on the best way out of the constraints of Level 5.
It seems certain that the plan will contain a proposal that will allow indoor dining in a controlled environment in restaurants and gastronomic pubs.
It would be a modification of the Level 3 restrictions since meals could only be taken outdoors under the previous version of the plan that operated in October.
High government figures say balancing public health and the health of the economy remains a challenge. The plan will be discussed later by the special cabinet subcommittee Covid-19.
The final decision will be made by the Cabinet tomorrow.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar previously suggested that cross-border travel should be examined in light of the high incidence of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
Last night he made the remarks to his parliamentary party, saying that the government would consider giving advice not to travel there.
Members of the subcommittee, which include the three coalition leaders, as well as the Ministers of Finance, Public Expenditure and Health, are expected to consider the latest recommendation from the National Public Health Emergencies Team (NPHET), which met Yesterday.
The NPHET proposals will be considered in conjunction with other health and economic statistics provided by the Health Service Executive, EY consulting and analysis provided by the Central Statistical Office and other government departments.
Mr Varadkar made it clear yesterday that points of sale, gyms and services such as hairdressers would be the first to reopen next week.
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However, one area that is still being debated a lot is when restaurants and gastro-pubs might reopen, and what guidelines might be needed to allow inside dining.
The restaurants and bars are asking the government to allow them to reopen starting next week, however, it seems that the date is likely to be December 7.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told his parliamentary party last night that his intention is for the country to move from Level 5 restrictions to Level 3, with modifications, and for churches to reopen for mass.
Martin told Fianna Fáil MPs, Senators and MEPs that with public adherence to the Covid-19 security measures it will be possible to keep the economy moving in the New Year.
When it comes to travel, the 5km restriction is expected to be lifted next week, allowing people to travel within their own county.
Beginning December 18, it is expected to be expanded to allow inter-county travel through January 2.
Meanwhile, DUP MP for Lagan Jeffrey Donaldson said it was not a big surprise that the Irish government advised people not to travel to Northern Ireland, as there are inter-county travel restrictions in the Republic.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, he said he respected the fact that the Republic is a separate jurisdiction and the Irish government needs to make its own decisions to restrict the spread of Covid-19.
He said cross-border issues were discussed at a North / South Ministerial Council meeting, adding that there was a feeling that communication between the Stormont Executive and the Irish Government could be improved.
Donaldson said that Christmas arrangements have already been made across the UK and it would be interesting to hear advice from the Irish government for those living in the Republic.
He said he was truly sorry for business owners as this is often the busiest time of the year and that is why financial supports have been offered.
Donaldson said efforts were being made to find ways to lower rates of the virus and avoid the toughest restrictions.
He said current restrictions in Northern Ireland will be lifted on December 11 to allow a two-week period until Christmas and allow people to move around in a less restricted way.
Additional information: Paul Cunningham
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