Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, my understanding is the HSE and the Department are in ongoing consultation with the health sector trade unions to finalise the application of this measure. It is intended that the payments process will be instructed to commence this week. The Government has committed very significant resources. The Government wants to do this. We are not holding back at all. I will engage again with the Minister and the HSE in this regard. It is €1,000 and it will not be subject to income tax, USC or PRSI. The announcement also made provision for a pro rata application of the payment. It will be extended to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices, who also experienced very severe outbreaks and burdens during the pandemic which staff have had to manage.

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