Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of persons within his Department who received the special leave with pay for Covid-19 up to 1 July 2022; the number of workers who have availed of this payment for an extended period of 12 weeks or more; the number of persons who availed of the special leave with pay for COVID-19 since 1 July 2022; the number of such persons who have been in receipt of this payment in excess of 14 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45321/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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When dealing with special leave with pay (SLWP) for Covid-19 my Department applies the guidelines and policies set out in the Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19. The latest version of this document was issued on 22 May 2022 and included changes to the policy surrounding the payment of SLWP. This document can be found using the following link:

SLWP is currently used in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. Special leave with pay should only apply in lieu of sick leave for COVID-19 when an employee is required to self-isolate and is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and either awaiting a test result or had a positive PCR test/or a positive antigen test which has been registered on the HSE portal.

From 1 July 2022 SLWP applies for the duration of the stated self-isolation period only (whatever duration is in place at the time of the absence, currently 7 calendar days). From 1 July 2022 any periods of COVID-19 related illness which extend beyond the stated self-isolation period are treated as ordinary sick leave.

Please see below figures for my Department relating to SLWP as requested (correct as of 12 September 2022):