Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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627. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the €90 million allocation for antiviral drugs to treat Covid-19; the cohorts of patients he expects will be treated with antiviral drugs; the estimated timescale for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3389/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A National Therapeutics Advisory Group has been established by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to evaluate, advise, and provide recommendations on all therapeutics with potential for use in the treatment of COVID-19 in Ireland. This encompasses a range of antivirals and monoclonal antibodies currently awaiting, or having recently received, EMA approval.

In parallel, a Therapeutics Operational Group, to be informed by the recommendations of the Therapeutics Advisory Group, has been established by the HSE to develop the arrangements for provision of these treatments to patients who may benefit from their use and work is ongoing to establish the most efficient pathways toward identifying these vulnerable patients. The use of these treatments will be limited to these strictly defined patient cohorts.

The EU Commission is currently progressing a Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) in relation to antivirals, which includes MSD’s Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) and Pfizer’s Paxlovid (PF-07321332; Ritonavir). Ireland has formally indicated its intention to participate in this arrangement. In addition, first deliveries of GSK’s Xevudy (Sotrovimab) monoclonal antibody treatment, procured via the EU JPA process, are imminently expected.

The HSE, in consultation with the Department of Health, is also exploring opportunities to procure antivirals through bilateral agreements at national level, in advance of the completion of the relevant EU JPA. These discussions are subject to EMA marketing authorisation.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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628. To ask the Minister for Health if there are specific guidelines and plans in place for treating Covid-19 in blood cancer patients similar to that which is provided for in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that a National Therapeutics Advisory Group has been established by the HSE to evaluate, advise, and provide recommendations on all therapeutics with potential for use in the treatment of COVID-19 in Ireland. This Group has developed clinical guidance and recommendations on the use of existing and emerging approved COVID-19 therapeutic medications, including Novel COVID-19 Antivirals and Novel COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapies. A Clinical Prioritisation Framework, that includes blood cancer patients, is being finalised and it is expected that it will shortly be made available publicly.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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630. To ask the Minister for Health if the Covid bonus for healthcare workers in a nursing home or hospice setting will be extended to healthcare workers in oncology units and others who worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3393/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.

The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.

I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.