Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated timeframe for the publication of the full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions in relation to the Covid recognition payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13432/22]

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.

The Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly. Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. It is intended that payments will be instructed this month, with the payment processed through local payroll thereafter.

Separately, the measure also extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.

For healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices, arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health. As the HSE is not the employer in these instances, the arrangements including payment dates will require further analysis before finalising but it is envisaged that payments will be instructed for these workers in Q2 2022.