Covid-19 Pandemic

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Questions (515)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

515. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review the correspondence (details supplied); if she will review the current supports available to healthcare workers diagnosed with long-Covid who contracted the illness in the course of their employment during the Covid pandemic; if she will outline the rationale for the cessation of the special leave with pay (SLWP) arrangements and the transition to affected workers to standard sick leave and temporary rehabilitation remuneration; if she will advise whether consideration is being given to recognising long-Covid as an occupational illness for healthcare and social care workers; if she will outline what financial and social protection supports are available to healthcare workers who remain unable to return to work due to long-Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17878/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The scheme was introduced in July 2022, to support eligible staff affected by long-COVID in the public health sector, on a temporary basis. After a hearing in June, the Labor 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 have ended. Employees who remained unfit to return to work have 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. Employees should discuss their options with their local HR as these are granted on a case by case basis. 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.