Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

242. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants on special Covid-19 leave at the end of 2020; the number at the end of May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32543/21]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The number of Civil Servants recorded as being on COVID-19 special leave with pay at the end of 2020 was 139. As at the end of May 2021, this number was at 14.

Special leave with pay applies in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 when an employee is advised to self-isolate and is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or had a positive test.

The full details of the criteria for, and duration of, special leave with pay for COVID-19 is laid out in the Guidance on working arrangements during COVID-19 for the Civil and Public Service, which is kept under regular review by my officials.