Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
418. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education the supports that are in place for staff that cannot work due to suffering from long-Covid given that special leave with pay has been withdrawn. [27924/22]
View answerAs set out in the recently updated Department of Public Expenditure and Reform document, ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19’, from 1 July 2022 Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) will change for all cases. SLWP will apply for the duration of the stated self-isolation period only (whatever duration is in place at the time of the absence, currently 7 calendar days). From 1 July 2022 any periods of COVID-19 related illness which extend beyond the stated self-isolation period will be treated as ordinary sick leave.
A circular will be published by the Department of Education to reflect the change to come into effect on 1st July 2022.
Under the terms of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, where an employee becomes incapacitated as a result of a critical illness and has supporting medical evidence they may, upon application, be granted Critical Illness Provisions (CIP). The granting of CIP is a decision made by the employer having considered the Occupational Health Service (OHS) medical advice. Further information on CIP is available in my Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019 for teachers and Circular Letter 0060/2019 for SNAs.
The OHS is available to provide medical advice to an employer who has concerns about an employee’s medical fitness for work (including COVID-19).
The Employee Assistance Service, which is currently provided by Spectrum.Life is available as a supportive resource for employees. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
