Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1915. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who worked from home in full or in part in 2020 and 2021 who are eligible for the Covid recognition payment; and the number of those who waived and-or gifted the payment back to the State. [41229/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. In order to be eligible for this payment, this cohort of workers must have worked between 1st of March 2020 and 30th of June 2021 in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, for a minimum of 4 weeks.
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Again, this measure will be ring fenced to the above cohorts of staff who meet the eligibility requirements and who worked a minimum of 4 weeks onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment between 1st of March 2020 and 30th of June 2021. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
In relation to the deputy's second query concerning the number of eligible staff that have waived or gifted the payment back to the State, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the deputy in relation to the HSE and Section 38 roll-out.
