3498. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding access to the HSE Critical Illness Protocol for healthcare workers suffering from long-Covid contracted in the course of their employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56611/26]

In response to the meeting that took place with the Taoiseach, INMO and the Department of Health, the HSE issued a Circular to all Managers on the 1st of May 2026 instructing them to look favourably at applications for CIP. The focus across the health system remains on supporting people to recover and return to work where possible, including through reasonable workplace accommodations and phased returns. I can confirm that the Department of Health is working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), as well as the Health Service Executive on the matter.