Pandemic bonus for health workers
Deputy Alan Kelly asks who will qualify for the newly announced pandemic bonus for healthcare workers, pressing for clarity on carers, pharmacists and home-help staff. The Taoiseach outlines the Government package, but the Deputy continues to challenge the omissions and says the question was not answered.
It is welcome that a decision has finally been made on a pandemic bonus for healthcare workers. This is something we called for in May 2020. I want to give the Taoiseach an opportunity to outline exactly what it will involve and who will qualify for it. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion out there. For instance, will community home help workers, family carers and those who work in pharmacies qualify? Broadly speaking, we all agree that they should. I ask the Taoiseach to clarify that. The Tánaiste previously suggested on numerous occasions that people in the wider civil and public service, like those in the Department of Social Protection, should also benefit. Is that suggestion off the table? Is the Taoiseach ruling out providing anything to transport workers, postal workers, gardaí, members of the Defence Forces, etc.? Will the Taoiseach urge the private sector to come along the road with the Government and do something similar for its workers as well, particularly for those in retail?
Comment on this
The Government acknowledges the contribution of our healthcare workers in particular and of all workers across the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have faced many challenges and have risen to the task, especially in our health services among those caring for patients on the front line. There have been a number of waves since the original one, namely, the Alpha wave, the Delta wave and now the Omicron wave. Time and again, front-line services have been put under enormous pressure. We have given detailed consideration to them and earlier today the Government approved a package of measures to recognise these efforts. A public holiday will be held on 18 March next in recognition of the efforts of the general public and of all workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach did not answer the question. He was waffling.