Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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383. To ask the Minister for Health if he will re-examine the rules around who is eligible for the pandemic bonus payment for healthcare workers with a view to including a group that have been left out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7866/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Last year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. 

This payment is for certain eligible HSE and Section 38 staff, and specific cohorts beyond the public sector as follows:

1. Private sector nursing homes and hospices;
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE; 
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE; 
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE. 

While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the Government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments above.

The Government has expressed sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services. The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed.

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. As of February this year there is also a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.

Finally, I would like to thank all healthcare workers for their extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.