Long Covid is tough on individuals who are dealing with ongoing health problems such as tiredness, trouble thinking clearly and breathing issues. It is not just having an impact on individuals; it is also having a profound impact on our workforce and presenting challenges that are complex and far-reaching. A report just published by the EU Commission provides estimates on the prevalence of long Covid and its impact on people's ability to work. This indicates that the prevalence of long Covid in the EU population at 2.9% in 2022 is resulting in a negative impact on labour market supply of between 0.3% and 0.5%. In person equivalence, these figures mean long Covid could be reducing labour market supply in Ireland by over 12,500 people, when the effects of lower productivity, higher sick leave, lower hours worked, increased unemployment and underemployment are combined. Of course, the real number of individuals impacted will be much higher because this is only a statistical model.

The figures may very well be far worse because the sole indicator of the magnitude of the long Covid challenge in Ireland, based on actual Irish data, is a survey I commissioned last year which suggests that an estimated 5% of adults are living with symptoms of long Covid, which would equate to the impact on the labour market of over 22,000 person equivalents. This is not only leading to a significant reduction in labour supply in an economy at full employment, but it also has long-term implications for society as a whole. What these figures highlight is an urgent need to adaptive workplace policies and comprehensive health support services. Sadly, we are still waiting for the regional long Covid clinics to be fully functional, despite being promised in September 2021. Furthermore, the mental health repercussions of the pandemic and long Covid cannot be overstated. There has been an increase in demand for mental health services driven by the pandemic's exacerbation of mental health issues. One example is the increased prevalence of antipsychotic drug prescribing, which points to a deterioration in mental well-being particularly among younger and older people. We need an action plan which not only acknowledges the challenges post Covid and the challenge of long Covid, but also helps people to recover, to return to work, and most importantly, to become full contributors to our society once again.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. To be fair, he has been really consistent in raising it for many months now and in keeping the Government focused and under pressure in respect of an adequate response. The European Commission has made a non-binding recommendation on the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease. It did not make a recommendation, however, regarding long Covid, which I know is the issue the Deputy primarily raises. The decision regarding recognition is a member state competency. It is important to note that recognition in Ireland would not encompass long Covid, would only apply to new claims for new cases of Covid-19 and would not benefit those who contracted it during the pandemic which is primarily the cohort mentioned by the Deputy. The report published by the Minister for Social Protection, and laid before the Oireachtas last November, found that Covid-19 does not meet the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. Specifically, it found that presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment.

The Government, as the Deputy will know, did an awful lot during the pandemic and subsequently in supporting people whose work was impacted by the fact that they had Covid for an extended period of time. We had an enhanced illness payment system and eligibility criteria that sought to maximise the number of workers who could apply for it. That scheme paid out some €788,000 claims at a cost of over €350 million. A temporary scheme of paid leave was also developed by the Department of Health for certain public health sector employees who were unfit for work after a Covid-19 infection. Special leave with pay for Covid-19 was also introduced for public sector workers. The Department of Social Protection continues to provide a suite of income supports for those who cannot work due to illness and disability, including those who have not recovered following a Covid-related illness. Covid-19, however, does not meet the criteria for recognition as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. Specifically, presumptions around workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment where infection rates are low. In other words, there would not be a sufficient level of proof that people got Covid through their participation in the workforce as opposed to getting it through community transmission. What I am saying is that various different Departments, including the Department of Health, the Department of Social Protection and my Department, are looking at ways in which we can respond to people who are unable to work due to extended illness linked to Covid. I accept that the Government needs to progress-----

I thank the Minister. We are over time.

-----quickly the regional long Covid clinics which have been promised.

We are way over time.

From a Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment perspective, we will keep this issue under close review.

Deputies Grealish and Canney and I, as three Galway TDs, believe that the Government should reconsider its decision to terminate at the end of this month the special leave entitlement for front-line healthcare workers who are unable to return to work due to long Covid. These 143 staff contracted Covid-19 before a vaccine was available, and in many instances before sufficient PPE was available. They have been suffering from long Covid symptoms now for over two years. Front-line workers were publicly commended in Dáil Éireann during the pandemic for risking their lives, as well as those of their families, to deliver essential services. However, the vast majority of people with long Covid symptoms have been ignored by the State through its failure to recognise Covid as an occupational illness.

The very least we should do is support this small number of healthcare workers now in their hour of need. Finally, I ask the Minister to look at the labour market implications of long Covid on foot of the recent EU report on this topic.

The temporary scheme of paid leave was developed by the Department of Health for certain public health sector employees who were unfit for work after a Covid-19 infection. That scheme is due to end on 31 March, which is the end of this month, but I will raise the issue with the Minister and ask him to come back to the Deputy directly rather than giving him a stale answer here. I understand what the Deputy is saying but I would like to understand the numbers that are impacted and their circumstances. I presume the Department of Health has these details. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to come back directly to the Deputy if that is helpful.

I thank the Minister.