Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

467. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members who are entitled to claim the pandemic bonus payment; the number who have been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54197/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, in January this year, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment (PRP) for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise the unique role played by them during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.

The measure is ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments who worked at least 60% whole time equivalent (WTE) for at least 4 weeks, during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, while €600 will apply for those below 60% WTE, within the same period of time. This recognition payment will be applied to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings. Certain redeployed members of the Defence Forces, who worked in front line COVID-19 exposed environments in the HSE, fall under the umbrella of eligibility regarding this payment.

At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative and it is currently working on progressing the modalities of payments for those non-HSE employees that are covered by this Government decision. It is also engaging with the relevant employers, including the Department of Defence, on the process to implement this measure for their eligible staff.

To this end, Officials in my Department have engaged with and will remain in regular contact with the Department of Health to discuss the roll-out of the payment for eligible Defence Forces personnel. It is important to note that ultimate interpretation of the scheme is a matter for the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Payment to eligible members of the Defence Forces will commence once these modalities have been completed.