Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I recently published and laid a report before the Oireachtas entitled ‘Report on measures to include long COVID in the Occupational Injuries Benefit Regulations’. This report concluded that COVID-19 does not satisfy the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. A copy of the report can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a4fbe-report-on-the-measures-to-include-long-covid-in-the-occupational-injuries-benefit-regulations-november-2023/

Specifically, presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment where infection rates are low. The statutory criteria for occupational injuries benefit specify that the disease or injury was caused as a risk of the person’s occupation and is not a risk outside of that profession. Community transmission became dominant by the summer of 2020. Therefore, it has not been possible since then to establish with confidence a general assumption that the disease has been contracted through a person’s occupation and not through community transmission.

It is important to note that even if Ireland did recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease, this would not encompass long COVID and would only apply to new claims for new cases of COVID-19. Thus, it would not benefit those who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.

In relation to employees in the health services who have not recovered from a COVID-19 infection, the report found that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees is the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered.

My Department continues to provide a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness and disability, including those who have not recovered following a COVID-19 related illness.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.