Health Services Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026

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Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Questions (1134)

George Lawlor

Question:

1134. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if, in view of a significant number of healthcare workers continuing to suffer from long covid as a result of their work in the Irish Health Service during the covid pandemic, she will reconsider her stated position in relation to the recognition of long covid as an occupational injury; if she has discussed this important issue with her colleague, the Minister for Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10186/26]

Written answers

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

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.

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