The economic collapse caused by Covid-19 will see government spending running at €19 billion higher than was forecast on Budget day last year, TDs will hear tomorrow. Further funding has also been agreed, for example, to extend the scope of the influenza vaccination and to provide for the 2020/2021 Winter Initiative. “In relation to capital expenditure, we will also ensure that the increase in capital investment set out in the National Development Plan is implemented in order to support the recovery in the economy. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has indicated that Covid unemployment supports may run beyond April next year. She said the State has already spent over €3.6 billion on the payment to over 800,000 people.

Source: Irish Examiner October 08, 2020 06:07 UTC