Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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188. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider making the Covid pandemic bonus available to all other sectors that were dealing directly with the public during lockdown. [21643/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I want to acknowledge the contribution made by people across our society to the response to the COVID pandemic over the last two years.  Their continued contribution is key to enable us to navigate our way through the various challenges the pandemic has presented.

Government was keen to acknowledge these contributions. Collaboration and solidarity have been hallmarks of our national approach to COVID-19 and the measures announced by Government on 19 January 2022 are reflective of those principles.

After careful consideration, the Government made the decision to hold a national day of recognition and commemoration on the 18^thof March this year, and has agreed another permanent public holiday in February commencing in 2023 - measures which benefit workers across the whole labour market.

The Government took many factors into consideration when coming to a decision in relation to any additional recognition measure for specific sectors.  It was ultimately agreed that it would be appropriate to further acknowledge the contribution of those working in clinical settings in recognition of the fact that they were working in environments where Covid-19 was definitely present and the increased risk associated with that.  

This is a balanced package of measures, in terms of providing a measure of recognition for the contributions of all workers across the economy, while also recognising in particular the risks faced by certain healthcare workers during this pandemic.