Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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171. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations who worked in primary care in Covid-19 exposed healthcare environments with people with disabilities are made eligible for the pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21922/23]

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. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.

While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:

• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
  1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
  2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
  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.

The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible frontline workers faced, following careful consideration. 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.

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 want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.