Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022

Thursday, 20 October 2022

Ceisteanna (122)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health when staff in private nursing homes will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52419/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers, for their efforts during this most challenging period.

To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available on the HSE website.

Separately, information will be available shortly for the other certain healthcare employees who are covered by the Government Decision, detailing the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This will cover eligible staff in six cohorts:

Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

Agency roles working in the HSE;

Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;

Redeployed members of Defence Forces to work in the HSE;

Paramedics employed by Local Authorities

The HSE has tendered for an external provider to assist in setting up and implementing the process of gathering required information from the relevant employers in cohorts 1-4 above, to facilitate payment of the Pandemic Recognition Payment to their eligible staff.  In accordance with public procurement guidelines, from the time a preferred tenderer is selected by the HSE, a standstill period of 14 days must also be observed before any contract can come into effect. I am eager for an efficient rollout to begin very shortly as this contract comes into force. 

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 108.