I propose to take Questions Nos. 563, 565, 566, 571, 573 and 574 together.
Special leave with pay is currently used in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 across the public service to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. The arrangements relating to the application of special leave with pay for COVID-19 is a temporary measure which has been kept under regular review and has changed in a timely and responsive manner throughout the pandemic.
My officials are continuing to keep Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 for public service employees under regular review, taking into account the evolving circumstances and Government and public health advice.
While Special Leave with Pay is currently available for self-isolation and where someone has been diagnosed with COVID-19, for certain time periods, public service employees may access the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme thereafter. The arrangements for paid sick leave are available at appendix A.
As outlined, Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 applies across the Public Service, it is not unique to the Health sector. Special Leave with Pay was introduced at the outset of the pandemic to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. Special Leave with Pay does not identify how or where an individual may have contracted Covid-19. The rehabilitation of employees is a matter for each individual sector.
Appendix A:
The Public Service Sick Leave Scheme provides for the payment of the following to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
- A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one year period
- Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one year period
- Subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period
- There is access to additional sick leave in certain circumstances as provided by the Critical Illness Protocol.