Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
286. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to reports that childcare workers are not being paid when they are excluded from work due to Covid-19 cases in a class and pod; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47205/21]
View answerFrom the outset of Covid-19, my Department has engaged closely with the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre in keeping the sector informed of how to comply with public health guidance. This guidance includes advice for services on how to manage a confirmed case in their service.
As is always the case, the terms and conditions of employment are a matter for the employer and the employee. If the employee is unable to work due to being required to self-isolate, they should be asked to submit a medical certificate confirming that they are medically unfit to return to work.
If the setting's sick leave policy allows for payment for sick leave, then this should be followed and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will operate as normal for this staff member. Otherwise the employee should be advised to contact the Department of Social Protection in relation to possible to entitlements to illness benefit.
A series of guidance documents for providers and practitioners operating during the Covid-19 period have been developed by my Department and can be found on the First 5 website at first5.gov.ie/guidance.
