Written answers
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Department of Health
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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710. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to the special pay with leave long-Covid scheme for healthcare workers which is not to be extended beyond 31 March 2024 (details supplied) why have the Minister and the HSE reached this decision; if he is aware that these healthcare workers are still in the same situation and therefore still in need of the same support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10318/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In respect of the temporary Special Scheme that the Deputy is referring to, a final extension was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR), to permit the Scheme to run until 31st March 2024.
DPENDPR's sanction to extend the Scheme to that date was contingent on the sanction being the final sanction that would be provided, and as such the Special Scheme will conclude on 31st March.
Employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme received an individual notification of this from their employer this week, as well as notification that any impacted employee remaining unwell after that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.
The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.
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