Much more information must be made available on the Covid recognition payment. At present there is a serious information vacuum, leading to enormous confusion about eligibility. A range of staff in Mayo and around the country remain uncertain. I refer to providers in section 39 disability services such as Western Care Association and administration staff working closely with patients in acute mental health units as well as contract cleaners and caterers in hospitals such as Mayo University Hospital and nurses working in general practice. Home help and other carers should also be acknowledged. This is an important point of contact for vulnerable people who were cocooning during the early stages of lockdown. At present people are relying on information being drip-fed in the absence of official sources on the eligibility criteria. I therefore ask the Taoiseach to provide an outline as to when more information will be made available.

I think the announcement on the Covid recognition payment was made last week. It is extensive. It focuses primarily on those on the front line and within our healthcare system. It has been challenging to arrive at the conclusions that were arrived at. The payment is paralleled with the decision on the bank holiday, which will be a permanent bank holiday on St. Brigid's Day. I hear the Deputy's point and will revert to the Minister and the HSE on the communications on this.