Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
627. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the Government’s long-term approach to supporting people suffering from long-Covid, in circumstances where specific illness benefit arrangements for long-Covid ended on 31 December 2025 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13704/26]
View answerAfter a hearing in June, the Labour Court recommended that the Special Scheme would come to an end on the 31st of December 2025, therefore, the scheme has formally concluded. Importantly, this does not mean that supports will end. Employees who remained unfit to return to work moved into the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, ensuring continuity of care and financial protection. The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted. The HSE have been instructed to advise Managers to look favourably at requests for CIP.
