Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
769. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details on any measures being considered to recognise long-Covid as an occupational illness for healthcare workers who contracted Covid-19 in the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73846/25]
View answer772. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will detail any engagement with healthcare unions regarding the recognition of long-Covid as a work-related injury and the provision of long-term financial supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73849/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 769 and 772 together.
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.
