Covid-19 Pandemic

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Ceisteanna (1167)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

1167. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to ensure that Ireland is on a par with other European countries in terms of ensuing the financial wellbeing of healthcare staff affected by long-Covid as a result of working at the front lines of the health service during the Covid pandemic; if she is aware that the EU recommended that all member states recognise long-Covid as an occupational illness and that all members have accepted this bar Ireland and Greece; the steps she is taking to address this situation and ensure that Irish health staff who suffer from this debilitating condition are properly taken care of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12291/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

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 are unfit to return to work will move 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.

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.