Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1283. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if agency staff working for a State agency (details supplied) have been provided with the same level of Covid-19 protections as permanent staff, including the option to work from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32919/20]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has prepared and circulated a Guidance document for public service employers and employees in relation to HR matters during Covid. This guidance applies throughout the public service, including the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). This document can be viewed at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/news/092fff-update-on-working-arrangements-and-leave-associated-with-covid-19-fo/.
The NMBI have advised my Department that it provides the same level of Covid-19 protections to all staff whether they are permanent, contract or agency workers.
The NMBI provide essential support services to the health sector. There are a number of functions, for example, elements of the applications and registrations of nurses and midwives, which require staff to be on-site to deal with manual elements of the applications. This cohort includes both permanent and agency staff.
In the business functions that do not require on-site support, staff, including agency workers, have been provided with the necessary IT infrastructure and are working from home.
