Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2023
111. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence why some people who worked on the frontline during the Covid pandemic as a member of the Defence Force's doing vaccines and testing have not received their bonus payment to date (details supplied). [15736/23]
View answerIn January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative, with the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.
The payment is not subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment. The payment amounts to €1,000 for those eligible staff 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, and €600 for below 60% WTE. Those who worked less than 4 weeks are not in scope of the measure. It is important to note that this recognition payment is being made to retired members of the Defence Forces, as well as personnel on leave of absences, who are deemed eligible by dint of previous eligible service.
The measure is ring-fenced to eligible staff that were ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments during the pandemic. In terms of Defence Forces personnel, this means members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line COVID-19 exposed environments in the HSE.
Work to identify all COVID-related duties undertaken by members of the Defence Forces was completed by Military Management as an initial step in identifying personnel who may be eligible for this recognition payment. Significant engagement subsequently took place between officials from the Department of Defence and the Department of Health to determine which of these duties were deemed "in scope" and therefore eligible for this payment, under the Department of Health's scheme, and payments are being made on that basis.
I am aware that the Deputy has submitted the details of particular Defence Forces member. In order to expedite a claim that may, or may not, result in a Pandemic Recognition Payment being awarded, I would ask that the Deputy request that this person submits all details of relevant duties carried out, within the specified time-frame, via the individual's parent unit. The claim will then be dealt with in the normal process.
