Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
633. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health if she will declare Covid-19 an occupational illness, as has been done in many other European Union member states, so that healthcare workers suffering from long-Covid can continue to access financial supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73290/25]
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.
