Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1126. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if Covid-19 is included as a qualifying illness for the occupational injuries benefit scheme, considering cases where healthcare staff have contracted Covid-19 in their workplace which has resulted in long-term health issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department operates the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme which is a group of benefits for people injured or incapacitated by an accident at work or while travelling directly to or from work. The scheme also covers people who have contracted a disease as a result of the type of work they do. There are a number of benefits available and there are different conditions attached to each benefit. The benefits include Injury Benefit, Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Supplement, Constant Attendance Allowance and the Medical Care Scheme.
Covid-19 does not constitute a prescribed disease or illness as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 as it does not meet the criteria laid down in the Act. Section 87 (2) of the Act states that a disease or injury shall be prescribed for the purposes of this section in relation to any insured persons, where the Minister is satisfied that-
(a) it ought to be treated, having regard to its causes and any other relevant considerations, as a risk of their occupations and not as a risk common to all persons, and
(b) it is such that, in the absence of special circumstances, the attribution of particular cases to the nature of the employment can be established or presumed with reasonable certainty.
An enhanced Illness Benefit payment is payable for up to ten weeks for eligible people, subject to ongoing medical certification. In a case where a person continues to be ill with Covid-19 beyond ten weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility.
Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type. Additional payments may be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children. It is payable for up to two years, based on the person’s continued eligibility.
Should the illness continue beyond the coverage of Illness Benefit, the Department has long-term supports available in the form of Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance.
Invalidity Pension is a long-term payment for persons who are permanently incapable of work and who are covered by social insurance.
Disability Allowance is one of a number of means-tested payments provided by the Department. It is paid to people with a disability aged 16 to 66, who are habitually resident in the State.
This department also provides means tested social welfare supports for those who experience financial hardship, including Additional Needs Payment and Urgent Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. The scheme is available through Intreo Centres across the country.
The Department regularly reviews its supports and schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
