Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1532. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he can put a framework in place along the lines of those in other progressive EU member states, in order that recovering health workers could have certainty of financial support and the possibility of trial re-entry to the workplace to develop a rehabilitation pathway. [37335/23]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reforms Special leave with Pay for COVID-19 (SLWP) was introduced in lieu of sick leave for those with confirmed COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. This applies only to newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 recommended to stay at home as per current public health guidance (currently 5 days stay at home). Employees who remain unwell after the 5 days SLWP may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service is in place to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection. The temporary Scheme has recently been extended and will run until 31st October 2023.
Those who remain unwell beyond that date, or those who were not eligible for the temporary Scheme may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which includes a process of 'reasonable accommodation' providing employees with a phased means of returning to the workplace (which may mean for example, working a reduced pattern or performing lighter/different duties for a period).
The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care settings however Member States vary greatly in their implementation of this. I understand that Minister Humphreys 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. The outcome of this review is awaited.
