Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Health if he is considering a special payment for front-line health workers in respect of the extraordinary work done and continuing to be done by them in relation to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42515/20]

Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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440. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to a monetary bonus payment for all healthcare workers as an acknowledgement of their hard work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42766/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 440 together.

Both I and my Department recognise that our dedicated health care workers play a key role in our national effort against Covid-19.Their determination and commitment to assisting our sick and vulnerable to get the medical treatment they need, has and continues to be, very much appreciated.

Others across the public and private sectors also deserve to be commended for their efforts in combatting the pandemic.Negotiations are currently underway regarding a successor agreement to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.  It should be noted that the pursuit of cost increasing pay claims is specifically excluded under the terms of the PSSA.  This means that any bonuses including additional pay or additional leave are not permitted under the PSSA.