Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
377. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic special recognition payment of up to a maximum of €1,000 per person will be made to non-HSE frontline healthcare workers; when staff in private nursing homes will receive the payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28615/22]
View answerOn January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.
The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available on the HSE website, while payment to eligible HSE and Section 38 staff is currently in progress.
Separately, the Department of Health is preparing information for those other certain healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in the HSE;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply to the above list.
