Written answers
Tuesday, 4 July 2023
Department of Health
Covid-19 Pandemic
Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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618. To ask the Minister for Health his plans in relation to nurses who contracted Covid during the course of their duties, who are now suffering from long-Covid and who need an extension of special leave with pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As noted by the Deputy, the current Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Employees Unfit for Work Post Covid Infection is due to conclude at the end of this month. Officials from my Department requested approval from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in April 2023 for a 12-month extension of the current Scheme. This was to allow time for a more informed clinical understanding of the longer-term impact for those effected to be formed, and also to allow the Department of Social Protection (DSP) time to consider the EU Committee recommendation regarding the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational illness.
Last week, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform sanctioned an extension to the temporary Scheme from 1 July 2023 until 31 October 2023. The Department of Public Expenditure sanctioned this four-month extension on a once-off basis and has said it applies only to those employees who are currently availing of the scheme, and excludes any new applications.
A circular setting out the details of the extension will issue to all health service employers and impacted staff from the HSE shortly.
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