Written answers

Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Public Sector Staff

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

198. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the review in relation to amending the occupational injury and illness scheme or public sector pay in relation to cases of long-Covid contracted in the workplace, particularly in relation to the possible recognition of long-Covid as an occupational illness or disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35925/22]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme is under the remit of Minister Humphreys and the Department of Social Protection, who I understand have received a similar question.

Within the Public Service each sector is responsible for their own occupational health supports and their own occupational injury schemes, as sectoral needs require.  Access to such schemes is as per the provisions of the relevant schemes and the nature of the individual cases.

By public sector pay in relation to COVID-19 I take it that the Deputy is referring to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19.  At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided that Special Leave with Pay would be used in lieu of sick leave for self-isolation or a diagnosis of COVID-19 for public service employees.  From 1 July Special Leave with Pay continues to be available for the stated self-isolation period, which is currently seven days. Following this if a public service employee remains unwell they may avail of the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which is a form of paid leave for the Public Service.

A temporary scheme of paid leave for certain public health service employees unfit for work post COVID-19 infection has been prepared and proposed to the public health sector staff representative bodies.  Engagement is ongoing between the Department of Health, the HSE and the health sector representative bodies in this regard.

Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 is not intended to replace sick leave in the Public Service, nor was it designed to address long COVID. Additionally, it is out of scope for Special Leave with Pay to address causation.  

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.