Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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1101. To ask the Minister for Health her plans for healthcare workers with Covid-19 upon the ending of the special leave with pay but who continue to suffer disabling symptoms that render them unable to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23743/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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In the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme was put in place for 12 months in July 2022 to support eligible staff who were impacted by Long-Covid. At the request of my Department, approval to extend the Special Scheme was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) a number of times, most recently at the end of June when it was extended for a further 12 months on the existing terms for the existing cohort of employees already being supported by it.

The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) have been very clear that this was the final extension that would be granted, and as such, the Special Scheme will conclude on 30th June 2025.

Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.