Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1741. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason that the extension of special leave with pay by the HSE is restricted to those receiving the payment for 84 days prior to 7 February 2022; the reason for the 84 days and the cut-off date of 7 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor all civil and public sector employees, access to DPER's Special Leave with Pay re Covid, was capped at just 10 days paid leave with effect from 7th February this year, and this was further reduced by DPER to paid leave for the required isolation period only (currently 7 days) with effect from 1st July this year.
While a temporary Scheme for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection had been introduced for eligible public health sector employees in recognition of the increased level of risk faced by some of our staff in clinically exposed settings, it was necessary to include some criteria in respect of access to the Scheme, particularly noting that the Scheme is specific to the public health sector only, and will provide paid leave for an additional period to those who faced the highest risks at the most challenging phases of the pandemic.
The HSE have issued the full details of the Scheme to all public health service employers by circular, and eligible employees will have been notified by their employer that they are transferred to the new Scheme retrospectively from 1st July 2022.
