Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021

Thursday, 28 January 2021

Questions (271)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

271. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if a nurse contracts Covid-19 and consequent associated illness prevents attendance at work, that following a period of 28 days the nurse in question must offset further or continuing absence due to Covid-related illness from sick leave days prescribed in their contract; if a nurse due to non-Covid-related illness which has or may require the use and exhaustion of prescribed sick leave days will not be financially disadvantaged and penalised due to Covid-related illness causing more than the 28 days currently prescribed as the maximum supported period for such absence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4809/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prepared an FAQ document in relation to 'working arrangements and leave associated with COVID-19'. The content of this document applies to all those employed in the Civil and Public Services, including nurses and all public health sector employees equally.

A copy of this document is available to view at this website, and section 3.1 sets out the position in relation to leave and pay for those who are absent from work due to Covid-19.

https://www.gov.ie/en/news/092fff-update-on-working-arrangements-and-leave-associated-with-covid-19-fo/