Written answers

Thursday, 7 July 2022

Department of Health

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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296. To ask the Minister for Health if he will establish an occupational injury scheme for healthcare workers with long-Covid; if he his attention has been drawn to the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 which recognises the importance of recognising Covid-19 as an occupational disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36945/22]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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328. To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to update the HSE terms and conditions of employment to include Covid-19 as an occupational disease or injury; if his attention has been drawn to the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 which recognises the importance of recognising Covid-19 as an occupational disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36944/22]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 328 together.

I note the recent EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH) agreement in respect of COVID-19 in health and social care, and both the Government and I recognise the commitment shown by our public healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. They have gone beyond the call of duty, working in front-line COVID-19 clinically exposed environments, treating COVID-19 positive patients. Many of those front-line public health sector workers contracted COVID-19 and still remain suffering from long-COVID.

On that basis, it is my view that a special "Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees with Long COVID" is merited for the public health sector, and this has been prepared and provided to the staff representative bodies.

Engagement commenced on Tuesday 5thJuly between officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the health sector representative bodies regarding the special paid leave Scheme, and are ongoing.

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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297. To ask the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied); if this matter can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36782/22]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen 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.

On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html.

Eligible employees must have been employed between 1st of March 2020 and 30th of June 2021 and have been identified as working in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. Employees who worked less than 4 weeks in the specified period are not in scope.

Please be assured that the Government is very mindful of others who played their important part during this difficult period. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which workers faced during this critical time period. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.

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