Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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590. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will revisit his predecessor’s decision not to accept and apply the European Commission’s 2022 recommendation to recognise Covid-19 as an occupational illness; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25196/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In November 2022 the European Commission made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational disease. The Commission did not make a recommendation in relation to Long COVID. Recognition as an occupational disease confers different entitlements in different Member States, with employers paying the compensation in some countries and social insurance systems paying in others.

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. As such, it would not benefit those who contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.

A report published by my Department in November 2023 concluded that COVID-19 does not satisfy the statutory criteria for recognition as an occupational illness. Specifically, it found that presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable as it is not possible to establish with confidence that the disease has been contracted through a person’s occupation and not through community transmission. This is because data shows that community transmission was the primary means of transmission.

However, the Department's range of income supports, including illness benefit and invalidity pension, at the same or higher rates of payment as occupational injuries benefit, are available to people who cannot work due to the effects of Long COVID.

With specific reference to employees in the health services the report found that the Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees was the appropriate channel through which a targeted sectoral support should be considered. This Temporary Scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

That scheme has been extended a number of times, most recently to conclude on 30 June 2025. Any employee remaining unwell after that date may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.