Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
80. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reintroduce the Covid enhanced illness benefit given that statutory sick pay will not start until at least January 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50724/22]
View answerMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
In March 2020, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1) and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to Illness Benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
Regulations made under the emergency legislation providing for the Enhanced Illness Benefit in respect of Covid-19 contained a sunset clause, that is, that the scheme would no longer be in effect after a specified date. An extension to these special arrangements required consultation with the Ministers for Health and Public Expenditure and Reform. This date was extended a number of times; the latest extension expired on 30 September 2022.
Much has changed since the provisions were introduced in March 2020, in particular the development of a range of vaccines; the subsequent successful roll-out of the vaccination programme and later the booster programme; and the phased ending of restrictions from 22 January 2022. The Department of Health was consulted and advised that, in line with the transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic, the proposal to provide Illness Benefit for Covid-19 in a manner similar to that of any other infectious disease was now an appropriate one. On that basis I have no plans to reintroduce the payment.
Apart from these income supports, my Department provides means tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit. The Department may also make an exceptional needs payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
