The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational illness in health and social care settings. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, has committed to reviewing the EU Committee recommendation regarding the occupational recognition of Covid in respect of the Department of Social Protection Benefits Schemes, and the list of prescribed diseases/illnesses set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
Minister Humphreys has sought my views in this regard and I have confirmed my support for same. The outcome of this review is awaited.