Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am actually glad the Deputy asked this question because I found the matter frustrating. Many members of the Defence Forces made an extraordinary contribution during the Covid period in a series of different areas. The recognition payment was essentially a small gesture by the State to people who put themselves at risk and contributed to try to keep people alive at a time when we were dealing with extraordinary pressures in the health system.

To confirm, we have received the money from the HSE. We will ensure that 550 people will be paid €1,000 before Christmas. I do not have an exact time but we will try to get the payments out as fast as we can. Many are a little frustrated that it has taken so long to achieve this. Most feel we have now moved on from Covid and the associated crisis, even though Covid is still around. All Defence Forces personnel listening should note that those personnel who meet the qualification criteria in place will get a payment. I understand 550 members qualify given the work they were doing. The €1,000 recognition payment will be paid in the next few weeks.