Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
795. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of people availing of the temporary scheme of paid leave for public health service employees unfit for work post-Covid-19 infection; the ongoing cost of the scheme; the cost of the scheme to date; the total number of people who have availed of it; if he will put in place a permanent solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33924/23]
View answerThe temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees Unfit for Work Post-Covid-19 Infection was originally introduced on 1st July 2022 for a 12 month period only.
Officials from the Department of Health sought approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in April 2023 for a 12-month extension of the Scheme however the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform sanctioned an extension to the Temporary Scheme until 31 October 2023 only. The Department of Public Expenditure sanctioned this four-month extension on a once-off basis and has said it applies only to those employees who are currently availing of the Scheme, and excludes any new applications.
This extension will allow the Department of Social Protection (DSP) time to consider the EU Committee recommendation regarding the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational illness.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of numbers on the Scheme and costs.
