Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
767. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will consider extending the long-Covid payment scheme beyond December 2025 in light of the ongoing impact on healthcare workers and other affected individuals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73844/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra768. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the future plans for supporting individuals suffering from long-Covid after the cessation of the long-Covid payment scheme on 31 December 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73845/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra770. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the supports that will be available to long-Covid sufferers who are unable to return to work and face financial hardship following the end of the current payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73847/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra773. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the guidance that has been issued to Intreo offices and social protection services regarding the transition of long-Covid patients from the current payment scheme to other supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra774. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an estimate of the number of individuals currently receiving the long-Covid payment and the projected impact of its termination on these households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 767, 768, 770, 773 and 774 together.
There are currently 159 Health Care workers availing of the scheme of Special Leave with pay. After a hearing in the Labor Court in June, it was recommended that a final extension of the current Special Scheme to the 31st of December 2025, at which point anyone remaining on the scheme should transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell beyond that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support. Employees who did not qualify for the Special Scheme but are also impacted by Long-Covid may also utilise the supports of the sick leave scheme. 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.There will be no further extension to the Special Scheme for Long Covid
