Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1105. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken regarding the recognition of Covid/long-Covid as having an occupational connection in social or health care and certain other settings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27064/23]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has provided Special Leave with Pay in line with the public health guidance in place (currently 5 days stay at home) for civil and public servants nationally, to facilitate employees to remain at home following a positive test result to avoid the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection. I am keenly aware that this temporary Scheme is due to conclude at the end of June and I have written to the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform seeking sanction to extend the Scheme.
Those who did not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme, and those who remain unwell beyond the current 5 days of SLWP may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme if they remain absent.
The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care, however Member States vary in respect of their treatment of Covid in this regard.
I understand that Minister Humphreys has committed to reviewing the EU Committee recommendation regarding the occupational recognition of Covid in respect of the Department of Social Protection national Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, and the list of prescribed diseases/illnesses set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. The outcome of this review is awaited, however the Deputy may wish to seek more detail in respect of this directly from Minister Humphreys.
