David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In responding to an Teachta Tóibín on a previous question, the Minister quite rightly praised front-line healthcare workers but we must value the work they do not simply by our words but by our deeds. Why then is it the case that six months on from the Government agreeing to pay the pandemic bonus only one third of healthcare workers have received that payment? It is just unbelievable. That needs to be expedited and everything possible that can be done should be done to ensure they get their payment.

I also ask the Minister to expedite the special leave with pay payment for front-line healthcare workers with long Covid. That is due to expire at the end of this month. It needs to be extended. We cannot leave front-line healthcare workers who have long Covid improperly supported. Will the Minister tell us if that payment will be expedited for front-line workers with long Covid beyond the end of June?

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