Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Health if homecare workers will receive the pandemic bonus payment. [7906/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important topic.

In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.

Also, noting the unique additional challenges and risks in the health sector during this period, the Government announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Importantly and distinctly from other workers, those eligible are, in general, frontline public sector healthcare workers who are directly employed and worked or trained in COVID-19 exposed environments / clinical settings.

The Department of Health will also introduce a similar measure for frontline staff in all nursing homes and hospices (whether public, private, voluntary, Section 39 etc.). This measure will address the specific challenges associated with making payment to these organisations including governance and scope.

I am also mindful of other healthcare workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining our health service but did not work in such exposed areas. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which frontline healthcare workers faced.

We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. This will be published as soon as possible.