In responding to an Teachta Tóibín on a previous question, the Minister quite rightly praised front-line healthcare workers but we must value the work they do not simply by our words but by our deeds. Why then is it the case that six months on from the Government agreeing to pay the pandemic bonus only one third of healthcare workers have received that payment? It is just unbelievable. That needs to be expedited and everything possible that can be done should be done to ensure they get their payment.

I also ask the Minister to expedite the special leave with pay payment for front-line healthcare workers with long Covid. That is due to expire at the end of this month. It needs to be extended. We cannot leave front-line healthcare workers who have long Covid improperly supported. Will the Minister tell us if that payment will be expedited for front-line workers with long Covid beyond the end of June?

I thank the Deputy. It is one question on one issue.

The special leave with pay scheme for healthcare workers was, as the Deputy rightly says, due to end at the end of June. My understanding is the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, is working with the Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to address the issue before the end of next week and we would like to see that extended. On the fact that only a third of healthcare workers have been paid the bonus due to them on foot of a Government decision in recognition of the work they did through Covid in very difficult times, I certainly am disappointed with the slow rate of payment. One third of workers being paid so far is not acceptable, frankly. The HSE needs to speed up and prioritise the payment to those healthcare workers, who deserve that payment. I call on the HSE to prioritise this and do everything it possibly can to ensure those payments are made to workers who deserve them without any further delay.