It will be weeks rather than months before an announcement on a pandemic bonus and an extra bank holiday, according to ministers.
The measures weren’t included in yesterday’s Budget, as negotiations with unions have to take place.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says there's still work to do to decide on a pandemic bonus.
He said: “That isn’t a matter that Michael [McGrath] and myself have responsibility for - it certainly isn’t a Budget day announcement.
“The Departmental responsibility for this sits with the Tánaiste, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.”
He added he does believe a decision will be made in “weeks rather than months”.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has previously said he’d like to see any extra bank holiday held in February or March.
One option being put forward is a bank holiday to coincide with St Brigid’s Day, or alternatively a four-day St Patrick’s Day weekend.
There have also been calls for frontline workers to receive a bonus payment for their efforts during the pandemic.
