Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1150. To ask the Minister for Health the total amount spent on the purchasing of ventilators which either did not work or were unsuitable, during the pandemic; the name of the companies from which faulty or unsuitable ventilators were purchased; if attempts have been made to recoup the costs and get a refund; if so, if those attempts have been successful; the costs associated with those attempts, including legal costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12336/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1151. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 15 February 2023, the number of staff directly employed by the HSE and the number of staff employed in Section 39 healthcare facilities known to be on leave from work for more than one year due to long-Covid symptoms, as evidenced by their receipt of special Covid leave with pay for that period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12341/23]

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1152. To ask the Minister for Health the medical basis on which a decision is being taken to remove special Covid leave with pay entitlements on 30 June 2023 from a large cohort of healthcare staff with severe long-Covid symptoms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12344/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1151 and 1152 together.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have provided for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended isolation period (currently 7 days), for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid.

For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection. Employees who met the eligibility criteria for the Scheme will have transferred to the Scheme on 1st July 2022.

For those who do not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme but remain unwell, the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme may be utilised.

It is my understanding that an epidemiological survey is planned by the HSE which will provide insight into the prevalence of long-Covid in the Irish population including risk factors for developing long- Covid. The HSE has also commissioned a review by the Health Information and Quality Authority to assess the latest international evidence on Long Covid.

The nature of the health sector specific Special Scheme from the outset was temporary, running for 12 months only, and as such, this Scheme is due to conclude, as the Deputy points out, on 30 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 my officials to look at available options.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the HSE absentee numbers sought, however the staff of section 39 bodies are not public servants, and as such I am not in a position to advise the Deputy in respect of staff absences in those bodies.