Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
755. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed scheme to compensate families who lost a frontline healthcare worker to Covid-19; when the terms will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32062/22]
View answerAs announced in March I have received Government approval to establish a Covid-19 Death in Service Ex-Gratia scheme. The scheme is being established on an administrative basis to provide an ex-gratia lump sum payment of €100,000 in respect of health and social care workers whose death is attributed to Covid-19 and where they are believed to have contracted it in the workplace.
Pobal are engaged to administer the scheme on behalf of the Department and applications will be accepted from either the Executor/Administrator (legal personal representative) of the deceased or a solicitor acting on their behalf. The guidelines and details regarding making applications are currently being finalised. It is expected to open the scheme to applicants in the Autumn. Officials from my Department are liaising with the healthcare providers to provide information to potential applicants. A website and information line will be provided shortly.
