Covid recognition payment for contractors
Deputy Claire Kerrane asked whether contracted hospital staff and other care workers were included in the Covid recognition payment. The Tánaiste said he did not know the details and would check with the relevant Ministers.
Earlier this week, contract cleaners, security personnel and catering staff working in our public hospitals came to Leinster House with their union, SIPTU. They told of horror stories of their time working on the front line during the pandemic. I have heard similar stories from contracted staff in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Yet, 11 months on, they are still waiting for the Covid recognition payment. Home care workers and those in private nursing homes and others are also waiting. Will the Tánaiste please confirm that those in contracted services are included in this payment, and that all remaining payments will be made to those who worked on the front line during Covid by the end of the year?
