Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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1144. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to offer financial support for practical home assistance, such as cleaning, to healthcare workers suffering from long-Covid, whose infection was contracted in the line of duty, including where PPE provided and depended on was inadequate, and now are debilitated to the degree they cannot work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27367/23]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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1145. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to assist healthcare workers who developed long-Covid from infection contracted in the line of duty, including in situations whereby they lacked sufficient PPE, and who are debilitated to the degree they are no longer able to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27368/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1144 and 1145 together.

The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's (DPENDR) Special leave with Pay for COVID-19 (SLWP) was introduced in lieu of sick leave for those with confirmed COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. This applies only to newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 recommended to stay at home as per current public health guidance (currently 5 days stay at home).

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.

I am acutely aware that the temporary Scheme is due to conclude at the end of this month and I am committed to providing support. Sanction has been sought from the DPENDR to extend the existing Scheme and their response is awaited.

At present, those who remain unwell beyond the 30th June may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.

Additional supports for HSE staff are available from both the Occupational and the Employee Assistance Service teams.