Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That sounds like a very difficult case. My thoughts are with that lady. It might be helpful for me to put on the record the arrangements for special leave with pay in the context of Covid. Where an employee had been in the work premises outside of home during the 14 days prior to contracting Covid, special leave with pay may be paid, including for long Covid where necessary and for as long as needed. Where an employee has not been in the workplace in the 14 days prior to contracting Covid, special leave with pay may continue for up to 28 days. If an employee is still unwell after 28 days, he or she will move to ordinary sick leave arrangements. The Deputy will be familiar with the details of the ordinary sick leave arrangements, which, in general terms, are pretty good across the public sector. All of this will be kept under review. In the context of long Covid, there is provision in certain cases for special leave with pay to continue. If that does not apply in any individual case, the normal public service sick leave scheme will kick in and apply.

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