Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
630. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who contracted long-Covid during their work as a nurse in Cavan General Hospital will continue be provided with special leave with pay; if cases of HSE employers deeming those suffering with long-Covid as fit-for-work have been drawn to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have provided for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended isolation period (currently 7 days), for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. SLWP provides for paid leave, including full pay, any fixed allowances payable as well as premium payments.For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection.The full details of the Scheme and associated criteria for eligibility is available to view online here www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-022-2022-temporary-scheme-of-paid-leave-for-public-health-service-employees-unfit-for-work-post-c-19-infection-updated.html
Employees who met the eligibility criteria for the Scheme will have transferred to the Scheme retrospectively from 1st July 2022.For those who do not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme but remain unwell, the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme may be utilised.
