Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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541. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of consultation with the trade unions that represent healthcare workers regarding the changes to special leave with pay arrangements that were brought in on 6 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19529/22]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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542. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the level of consultation with trade unions that represent teachers and school staff regarding the changes to special leave with pay arrangements that were brought in on 6 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19530/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 542 together.

Special leave with pay is currently used in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 across the public service to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. The arrangements relating to the application of special leave with pay for COVID-19 is a temporary measure which has been kept under regular review and has changed in a timely and responsive manner throughout the pandemic.

My officials met with officials from the ICTU Public Services Committee and non-ICTU associations in advance of the changes which took effect from 07 February 2022. I would like to thank union officials’ for their continued engagement on these matters, which often occurs at short notice.

My officials are keeping Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 for public service employees under regular review, taking into account the evolving circumstances and Government and public health advice.