The payment will continue to be paid “for months, not weeks”.

Today, however, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made it clear that changes are being made to the amount of money unemployed people will receive in their Covid-19 payment, depending on the hours they were working before the crisis.

Those who were working full time before the pandemic hit and lost their jobs during the crisis will continue to receive €350 a week.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Mr Varadkar confirmed that part-time workers can expect the amount they receive to be reduced. Reports suggest the payment will be slashed by 40 per cent, leaving unemployed part-time workers with €203, the same figure they would receive in jobseeker’s allowance.

“The pandemic unemployment payment expires on the eighth of June.” the Taoiseach told the Dáil.

“The Government decision on the future of the payment will be made tomorrow morning. But I want to give these three assurances to everyone in receipt of the payment today. First of all, it will be extended, for months not weeks.”

“Secondly, no one working full time before the pandemic will see their payment cut. It will stay at €350 a week.

“Some people who were working part-time will see their payment reduced, but their weekly payment will still be more than what they were earning on a weekly basis before the pandemic.” Mr Varadkar added.

The Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the amount part-time workers will be entitled to as part of the Covid-19 unemployment payment on Friday.