Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Long Covid is tough on individuals who are dealing with ongoing health problems such as tiredness, trouble thinking clearly and breathing issues. It is not just having an impact on individuals; it is also having a profound impact on our workforce and presenting challenges that are complex and far-reaching. A report just published by the EU Commission provides estimates on the prevalence of long Covid and its impact on people's ability to work. This indicates that the prevalence of long Covid in the EU population at 2.9% in 2022 is resulting in a negative impact on labour market supply of between 0.3% and 0.5%. In person equivalence, these figures mean long Covid could be reducing labour market supply in Ireland by over 12,500 people, when the effects of lower productivity, higher sick leave, lower hours worked, increased unemployment and underemployment are combined. Of course, the real number of individuals impacted will be much higher because this is only a statistical model.

The figures may very well be far worse because the sole indicator of the magnitude of the long Covid challenge in Ireland, based on actual Irish data, is a survey I commissioned last year which suggests that an estimated 5% of adults are living with symptoms of long Covid, which would equate to the impact on the labour market of over 22,000 person equivalents. This is not only leading to a significant reduction in labour supply in an economy at full employment, but it also has long-term implications for society as a whole. What these figures highlight is an urgent need to adaptive workplace policies and comprehensive health support services. Sadly, we are still waiting for the regional long Covid clinics to be fully functional, despite being promised in September 2021. Furthermore, the mental health repercussions of the pandemic and long Covid cannot be overstated. There has been an increase in demand for mental health services driven by the pandemic's exacerbation of mental health issues. One example is the increased prevalence of antipsychotic drug prescribing, which points to a deterioration in mental well-being particularly among younger and older people. We need an action plan which not only acknowledges the challenges post Covid and the challenge of long Covid, but also helps people to recover, to return to work, and most importantly, to become full contributors to our society once again.

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