Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2025
558. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to extending the special leave with pay scheme, and that some form of long term support will be put in place for these workers, particularly in view that approximately 166 employees of the HSE are affected by long-Covid since 2020 as a result of working on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31601/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme was put in place for 12 months in July 2022 to support eligible staff who were impacted by Long-Covid. At the request of my Department, approval to extend the Special Scheme was granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) a number of times, it was extended for a further 12 months at the end of June 2024 on the existing terms for the existing cohort of employees already being supported by it. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform (DPENDPR) have been very clear that this was the final extension that would be granted, and as such, the Special Scheme will conclude on 30th June 2025.
As this is an on going Industrial Relations matter it would be inappropriate to comment any further.
