Written answers

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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311. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will examine the current restrictions and guidelines with regard to school going children who test positive for Covid-19 (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that parents who are not vaccinated can apply for enhanced illness benefit in such circumstances; her views on whether this is giving preferential treatment to those who choose not to be vaccinated; and if she will address this imbalance, as a matter of urgency, and allow a choice for parents who find themselves in this situation. [5670/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Enhanced Illness Benefit was introduced in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1), the Government extended the Social Welfare Acts to provide for entitlement to Illness Benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with, or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19. Changes to the eligibility conditions for the payment have been made on an ongoing basis in line with changes to public health advice.

The most recent change has been that the duration of payment for those considered a probable risk was reduced to 7 days from 14 January 2022. From that date, asymptomatic people who are close contacts and who have had their immunity boosted are not required to restrict their movements and are not entitled to receive enhanced Illness Benefit. Immunity is considered boosted if the person has received a booster or third vaccination or has had a Covid-19 diagnosis since 1st December 2021. This change complies with public health guidance in relation to a person's vaccination status.

Enhanced Illness Benefit is hence not payable for an asymptomatic parent who stays at home to care for their child who is ill with Covid-19. This is similar to the situation for parents caring for children with any other illness.

If, however, a parent in this situation starts showing symptoms of Covid-19, they should immediately self-isolate and, in this circumstance, can apply for enhanced Illness Benefit. Where a person has a Covid-19 diagnosis they may be paid for up to 10 weeks with appropriate medical certification from their GP.

This Department will continue to keep the situation in relation to enhanced Illness Benefit under review in light of evolving public health guidance, to assist people who cannot work due to Covid-19.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.

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