Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1619. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the extent of long-Covid supports for HSE workers; the extent, length, rates of pay and variety of paid leave options; the options for secondment or transfer available to healthcare workers who have been injured by a Covid-19 infection and cannot return to their original employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20301/22]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) introduced Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) re Covid for all Civil and Public sector employees at the start of the pandemic as a temporary measure to assist in the prevention of the onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. SLWP is made up of basic pay plus any fixed allowances payable.
DPER introduced a change to the application of SLWP wef 1.1.2021 which set out that new cases of SLWP may continue beyond 28 days only if the employee had been in the workplace during the 14 days prior to commencing the Covid self-isolation period. For new SLWP cases from that date, employees who had not been in the workplace have access to SLWP for up to 28 days, moving to sick leave arrangements if the employee remains unwell after the 28 days.
DPER introduced a further change to the application of SLWP on 7.2.2022 to take account of revised isolation periods and the revised public health advice. SLWP is applicable for a maximum of 10 consecutive calendar days for all new cases arising from that date. If an employee is unable to return to work after 10 consecutive calendar days they will move to ordinary sick leave arrangements. The details of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme regulations are available to view online here: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2014/si/124/made/en/pdf
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of occupational supports, secondment/transfer/reasonable accommodation options that they have put in place for staff who may still be unwell post Covid.
