William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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1082. To ask the Minister for Health if she will reconsider recognising long covid as an occupational illness for health care workers currently availing of the special scheme of paid leave; the number of staff currently availing of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63400/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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While the EU Advisory Committee on Health and Safety recommended the recognition of COVID-19 (not long-COVID) as an occupational illness in health and social care settings, recognition of COVID-19 nationally as an occupational illness falls under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection. After reviewing the EU recommendation, the Minister for Social Protection found that COVID-19 did not meet the requirements to be recognised as an occupational illness in the context of the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and the Social Welfare Consolidation Act. There are currently 159 Health Care workers availing of the scheme of Special Leave with pay.