Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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658. To ask the Minister for Health given that the paid leave for the Public Health Service employees unfit for work post Covid infection is due to finish in the coming months, if Covid-19 will be deemed as an occupational illness as recommended by the EU Advisory Committee; what is the proposed long-term solution for healthcare workers who are still unable to return to work due to long Covid; if his Department engaged with the relevant unions regarding the above payment being ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recently recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care, however Member States vary in respect of their treatment of Covid in this regard.

In Ireland, Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) is available for the recommended isolation period, for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. SLWP provides for paid leave, including full pay, any fixed allowances payable as well as premium payments.

For those who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary scheme, specific to the public health service has been developed to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection.

Employees who met the criteria for eligibility for the Scheme will have transferred to the new Scheme on 1st July 2022. The Scheme will continue to run as expected, until 30th June this year.

I am acutely aware of the issues experienced by public health employees in relation to Long Covid and am committed to providing support. I have asked officials in my Department to look at available options.

As the matter of designation of Covid-19 as a national occupational illness falls to my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, the Deputy may wish to raise that element of the question directly with Minister Humphreys.