Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Thursday, 8 September 2022

Questions (796)

Pat Buckley

Question:

796. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence when the Defence Forces will receive the €1,000 Covid payment [43886/22]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware, on 19 January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recogition Payment (PRP) for front-line 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 Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.

The measure is ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments, who worked at least 60% whole time equivalent (WTE), for at least 4 weeks, during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, while €600 will apply for those below 60% WTE, within the same period of time. This recognition payment will be applied to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings.

At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative and it is currently working on progressing the modalities of payments, for those non-HSE employees that are covered by this Government decision. It is also engaging with the relevant employers on the process to implement this measure for their eligible staff.

Certain redeployed members of the Defence Forces, who worked in front line COVID-19 exposed environments in the HSE, fall under the umbrella of eligibility regarding this payment. To this end, Officials in my Department have engaged with and will remain in regular contact with the Department of Health to discuss the roll-out of the PRP, for eligible Defence Forces personnel, which will happen within the current tax year. It is important to note that ultimate interpretation of the scheme is a matter for the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.