David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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426. To ask the Minister for Health the number of occupational health reviews which have taken place in relation to long-Covid or similar indication, in tabular form; the number of workers who sought leave on the basis of long-Covid; the number of workers asked to return despite claims of long-Covid; the number of workers granted leave, by length of leave in timebands; the number of workers who sought additional leave beyond initially sanctioned leave; and the number of workers granted long-term leave. [23638/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform provide for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended public health guidance duration, for civil and public servants nationally who contract COVID-19. At present the guidance on testing positive is to remain at home for 5 days. Those remaining unwell beyond the public health guidance timeframe may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.

For certain public health sector employees suffering from long-Covid, a temporary scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced in July 2022 to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post COVID-19 infection. This scheme is due to conclude on 30th June this year. At present, when the Scheme concludes, those remaining unwell may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, however I have asked officials from my Department to look at options to continue to provide support to this cohort.

In respect of occupational health team reviews, absence numbers and timelines etc, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.

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