Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
960. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health if her Department plans to formally recognise Covid-19 as an occupational illness for health and social care workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62776/25]
View answerWhile 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.
