Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In January 2022 the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 is not subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.

Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation, the Government made its decision based on the substantial risk which certain healthcare workers faced. Eligibility guidelines were first published online by the HSE on the 19th of April 2022.

The HSE and external contractor KOSI Corporation remain responsible for processing applications for eligible non-public sector employees.

Only those staff who meet all the eligibility criteria as set out below are covered for this payment.

In order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:

•     Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and

•     Worked ordinarily on-site 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 front-line 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 front-line workers faced, following careful consideration.

The Department of Health has no mandate to include other groups or employers other than those who qualify based on the set eligibility criteria . The Department also has no responsibility in receiving or processing applications, it is also against Department policy to comment on individual cases.

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.