Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, my Department provides a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness or disability. It is important to note eligibility for these payments is generally not dependent on the type of illness or disability but the extent to which it impairs or restricts their ability to work. However, I am considering whether to include Covid-19 as a prescribed disease under the occupational injuries benefit scheme. As I said, I am consulting with the other two relevant Ministers and a whole-of-government response is the right way forward.

The recommendation from the European Commission concerns Covid-19 and not long Covid. I understand most EU member states and the UK have not recognised long Covid. Having said that, it is up to us to decide what we will do in this country. I will discuss it with my colleagues and, ultimately, it will be a decision of the Government.

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