Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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429. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he plans to recognise Covid and long Covid as illnesses and disabilities respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27375/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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.

However, my 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. Also, disability allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment for people with a disability which is expected to continue for at least a year and which substantially restricts a person’s ability to undertake suitable work.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.