Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
763. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 4 November 2020, if expenses relating to consultant fees, scans, treatment and future medical expenses can be covered or reimbursed to front-line workers during their recovery from an illness contracted while working on the front line caring for patients with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36532/20]
View answerAs I had advised the Deputy on the 4th November in response to the initial question raised, all Covid-19 tests and GP assessments are free of charge, including GP out-of-hours services to all citizens, not just public health sector workers.
Covid-19 has been deemed a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation and classified as an infectious disease under the provisions of the Health Act 1947. In the interests of ensuring the maximum protection of public health, all persons in the State, irrespective of eligibility status, who require services for the diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease will access such services free of charge as a public patient. Providing all Covid-19 related health services on a single public patient pathway ensures that access to treatment will be prioritised on a clinical needs basis only.
