Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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685. To ask the Minister for Health the actions taken to acknowledge the gravity of the strain that has been placed upon staff in nursing homes and the broader health services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58961/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Both I and my Department recognise that our dedicated health care workers play a key role in our national effort against Covid-19. The determination and commitment of staff delivering our health services in assisting our sick and vulnerable to get the medical treatment they need, has and continues to be, very much appreciated.

Supports are available to staff of the public health service, which can be accessed via the HSE's occupational health service. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to those supports available.

In addition to this, the provision of additional funding in Budget 2021 and Budget 2022 is allowing for the continued growth of the health sector workforce as a means to assist in the management of the pandemic. In 2021, year-to-date the workforce has grown by 4,952 WTE which is the second largest annual growth since the formation of the HSE, second only to growth achieved in 2020.

It is noted that the Government intends to recognise front-line healthcare workers in respect of the extraordinary contribution and commitment they have made in the management of the pandemic. Government are considering the most appropriate means and timeline for such recognition, noting that the pandemic is ongoing.