Close to 500,000 are now receiving social welfare from the State as either being on sick benefit, unemployed or temporarily out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The caretaker Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty has confirmed a total just over 283,000 people have applied for COVID-19 unemployment benefit.
In a statement Ms Doherty said that the total accounts up until last Friday.
The social protection minister added that a rise in applications are expected in the coming days ahead following the implementation of latest restrictions.
Under the scheme those made unemployed doe to the outbreak are entitled to claim €350 per week.
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