Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the consideration that has been given to ensure that the pandemic bonus payment will be paid to front line nurses in the Irish Prison Service who worked in challenging circumstances in prisons; if they will qualify for the bonus payment in view of this essential and emergency frontline pandemic work by prison nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21699/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, many workers went above and beyond over the course of the last two years very challenging years. Their continued contribution has been essential to getting us through this difficult time.

After careful consideration, the Government made decisions earlier this year in relation to recognition of these efforts.  A national day of recognition and commemoration to recognise the contribution of all workers across the economy was held on the 18^thof March this year.  Furthermore, an additional permanent public holiday will be in place from next year.

The Government took many factors into consideration when coming to a decision in relation to any additional recognition measure for specific sectors and workers.  It was agreed that it would be appropriate to further acknowledge the contribution of those working in certain 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.

Overall, this is a balanced package of measures that benefits workers across the economy, while also recognising in particular the risks faced by certain healthcare workers during this pandemic.

The detailed administrative arrangements and terms and conditions associated with this measure are matters for my colleague the Minister for Health.