The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) has been cut from €350 to a maximum of €203 per week. The new rate has come into effect on Wednesday.
The government introduced EWSS to help staff in businesses which suffer losses due to the pandemic restrictions. As many of the restrictions lifted, the government had said that the amount would be reduced in a phased manner until it is stopped as a whole.
Meanwhile Padraig Cribben, the chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland opposed the move and called on government to continue the rate in the wake of new restrictions.
Mr Cribben told Newstalk: “What we have seen over the last two weeks is a very, very significant amount of the parties that would take place at this time of the year being cancelled on foot of the public health advice.”
“Yes, it is necessary that the supports be maintained at their current level until those restrictions are lifted.” he added.