Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to extend the covid special pay scheme for healthcare workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66688/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Following a Labour Court hearing in June of this year, a final extension was recommended. The scheme will now run until 31 December 2025, when it will formally conclude.

Importantly, this does not mean that supports will end. Staff who remain unfit to return to work will move seamlessly into the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, ensuring continuity of care and financial protection.

Under that scheme, staff receive full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and then have the option to apply for Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration, which can provide up to a further 547 days of paid leave. In addition, the Critical Illness Protocol may provide supports for up to three years.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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355. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date with recognising long covid as an occupational disease and injury; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66689/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Social Protection has reviewed the EU recommendation on recognising COVID-19 as an occupational illness. It has been determined that COVID-19 does not meet the criteria required for recognition under the Social Welfare Acts.