The Government is being urged by opposition parties to restore the pandemic unemployment payment to previous levels.
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith says €350 is 'not a king's ransom'.
The PUP was originally available to all workers who were unemployed as a result of the pandemic at a rate of €350 per week.
As of last month, there are now three rates - €300 for people who were earning over €300 per week; €250 for those earning €200-300; and €203 for those earning less than €200.
New restrictions for the entire country have intensified calls for the previous rate to be restored, and the issue will be debated in the Dáil this morning.
Deputy Smith told Newstalk Breakfast it's clear that supports are needed now that we're into a second wave of coronavirus cases and a new range of restrictions.
She said: "We can't expect people to hold back from going to work... without giving them the supports.
"€350 is not a king's ransom."
She noted that those on the payment are down at least €50, and in some cases €100.
She explained: "Nobody who was earning less than €200 have been receiving [the full PUP rate] since way back in June... we're not arguing for that.
"We're arguing for the restoration of what it was before the 17th September."
'The logic hasn't changed'
While the Government has said there are not bottomless resources for supports such as the PUP, Deputy Smith queried what they'll do if there's a need to move to more severe level four or five restrictions.
She said: "[The] logic hasn't changed... the pandemic hasn't changed.
"We could be better at restricting our movements, masking up and doing more testing... but that doesn't mean people can live on masks and tests. They need money to live.
"We also have a re-imposition of rents, of mortgages, and the utility companies are all looking for their money. People are under severe pressure, and they've got to send their kids to school through all this as well."
The PBP/Solidarity private member's motion on the PUP will be debated in the Dáil this morning.
