Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2026
996. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on supports available to frontline healthcare workers who contracted long-Covid during the pandemic; if the Government will introduce a new support scheme and formally recognise Covid-19 and Long Covid as an occupational illness for healthcare and social care workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22277/26]
View answerAfter 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 seamlessly 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. Applications are assessed 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.
