In March of last year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19. The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with Covid-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of Covid-19, the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit was brought in as a short-term public health measure. It is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of Covid-19 and up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Appropriate certification is required to support any claim for payment. There are no waiting days in respect of the enhanced illness benefit payment. Only a single PRSI contribution from employment in the previous 4 weeks is required, making the payment very accessible for all employees.
I would like to confirm that my Department treats a medical Certificate of Incapacity for Work for someone self-isolating in exactly the same way as a certificate for someone restricting their movements. Once my officials receive the appropriate documentation and people meet the eligibility and medical criteria, they are entitled to the enhanced illness benefit payment of €350 a week, with increases for dependants if appropriate.
Expenditure on the enhanced illness benefit was €57 million in 2020, in addition to €593 million spent on standard illness benefit. Expenditure on enhanced illness benefit was almost €80 million up to 12 November.
My Department will continue to monitor the public health situation and the effectiveness of income supports during this time.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
