Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
910. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to extending the special leave with pay scheme (SLWP), which is due to end on 31 October 2023, until there is an effective treatment for long-Covid, particularly in view that approximately 120 employees of the HSE are affected by long-Covid since 2020 as a result of working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39751/23]
View answerSanction to extend the current Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees Unfit for Work Post Covid Infection for a period of 12 months was sought from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPR) in April 2023 in recognition of this ongoing matter, however DPENDPR sanctioned an extension of just four months.
DPENDPR 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. The temporary Scheme will now conclude on 31st October 2023 in light of this.
