Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
287. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he requested that front line homeless services staff funded through his Department would be included in the Department of Health’s special Covid-19 payment; and if not, if he will raise the matter with the Minister for Health. [24158/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); his views on same; the engagements, if any, he has had with the Minister for Health regarding the inclusion of homeless frontline workers in the Covid-19 recognition scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 331 together.
The decision regarding to whom the COVID-19 payment should be made does not rest with my Department.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government made decisions earlier this year in relation to recognition of these efforts. A national day of recognition and commemoration to mark the contribution of all workers across the economy was held on the 18 March this year. Furthermore, an additional permanent public holiday will be in place from next year.
The Government also announced the payment of a COVID-19 recognition payment of €1,000 for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The HSE has published details on this payment, including full eligibility criteria, particulars, and terms and conditions that apply to HSE and Section 38 organisations' employees. This information is available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html.
The detailed administrative arrangements and terms and conditions associated with this measure are matters for my colleague the Minister for Health.
