Cabinet Ministers have signed off on measures to provide financial support to the businesses impacted by the latest Covid restrictions.
The employment wage subsidy scheme is being reopened for businesses with a more than 30% loss in turnover.
While the CRSS payments scheme will open to bars, restaurants and other businesses which close due to the restrictions.
Those businesses that stay open but are earning less than 40% of turnover when compared to 2019 will also now qualify for the payments.
The measures will cost around €100 million for the month of January.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath says they needed to make an intervention:
"I fully appreciate that these new restrictions have caused an enormous amount of anxiety and despair for workers and business owners alike who will lose their job or income.
"That is difficult at any time but coming in the days leading up to Christmas or the New Year period is exceptionally tough.
"And it makes it all the more imperative that we act swiftly."
