Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
122. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the number of persons within his Department who received the special leave with pay for Covid-19 up to 1 July 2022; the number of workers who have availed of this payment for an extended period of 12 weeks or more; the number of persons who availed of the special leave with pay for COVID-19 since 1 July 2022; and the number of such persons who have been in receipt of this payment in excess of 14 days. [45328/22]
View answerIn line with the Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19, as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department uses Special Leave with Pay in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Where possible, my Department facilitates home working for staff who feel well enough to work but have tested positive for COVID-19 or are self-isolating.
In the period to 1 July 2022, 44 members of staff in my Department availed of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19. No staff of my Department took this leave for an extended period of 12 weeks or more.
Since 1 July 2022, 8 members of staff in my Department availed of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 with none taking this leave for a period of more than 14 days.
