Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. We heard evidence today from a trade union that staff were so worried about the prospect of losing their premium pay and other allowances that there was a suggestion they may have come to work sick. Is consideration being given to ensuring people are not out of pocket in any way? The witnesses know as well as I do that the basic rate is the basic rate, but many people working within the health service have, given the 24-7 nature of the operation, an entitlement, legally or under collective agreements, to benefits such as additional premiums for unsocial hours worked. Is consideration being given to ensuring money is not a factor when people are considering whether they have to take time off work in order to isolate, etc.?