Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1300. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to the special scheme of paid leave for healthcare workers suffering from long-Covid which has been extended until 31 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has provided Special Leave with Pay in line with the public health guidance in place (currently 5 days stay at home) for civil and public servants nationally, to facilitate employees to remain at home following a positive test result to avoid the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.
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. This temporary Scheme was due to conclude at the end of June however the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform has recently sanctioned a four month extension to the scheme.
Those who did not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme, and those who remain unwell beyond the current 5 days of SLWP may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme if they remain absent. Officials from my Department met with unions in the WRC on the 10th of July to outline the above. As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care, however Member States vary in respect of their treatment of Covid in this regard.
I understand that Minister Humphreys has committed to reviewing the EU Committee recommendation regarding the occupational recognition of Covid in respect of the Department of Social Protection national Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, and the list of prescribed diseases/illnesses set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. The outcome of this review is awaited, however the Deputy may wish to seek more detail in respect of this directly from Minister Humphreys.
