Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
570. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the qualifying criteria for the critical illness protocol; if there is a defined list of medical conditions that qualify under this scheme; if those who contracted long-Covid while working on the frontlines during the pandemic for the HSE are eligible for this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33904/26]
View answerThe Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) provides extended paid sick leave for Irish public service employees facing serious illness or injury, allowing a maximum of 365 days of paid leave (183 days full pay, 182 days half pay) within a rolling four-year period. It is granted based on specific medical criteria or managerial discretion in exceptional circumstances. There is no specific list of illnesses.
A meeting took place on the 30th of April between the Taoiseach and the INMO and officials from the HSE and the Department of Health. The Taoiseach advised the HSE to look favourably on requests for Critical Illness payment for those who remain on the Sick leave scheme.
