Departmental Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022

Thursday, 15 September 2022

Ceisteanna (308)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

308. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of persons within his Department who received the special leave with pay for Covid-19 up to 1 July 2022; the number of workers who have availed of this payment for an extended period of 12 weeks or more; the number of persons who availed of the special leave with pay for COVID-19 since 1 July 2022; the number of such persons who have been in receipt of this payment in excess of 14 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45320/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Updated guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to the provision of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 was published by DPER on 27th May 2022. As of the 1st of July 2022, Special Leave with Pay applies for the duration of the HSE instructed self-isolation period only, which at the time of response is 7 calendar days. From 1st July 2022 any periods of COVID-19 related illness which extend beyond the stated self-isolation period will be treated as ordinary sick leave.

As of the 1st of July 2022, there were 169 staff in the Department of Health who have received Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19. None of these employees availed of this payment for an extended period of 12 weeks or more.

Since the 1st of July 2022, 31 employees have availed of Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19.

Since March 2020, 11 employees have been in receipt of this payment in excess of 14 days.