3472. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the rationale for deducting annual leave from healthcare workers who return to duty on a phased basis following cancer treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61460/26]

I would like to thank the Deputy for their question.

I wish to acknowledge the important contribution of healthcare workers returning to work following a period of illness and recognise the challenges that can arise during that transition.

A phased return to work is a workplace support measure available to employees returning from a period of long-term sick leave, where appropriate and subject to the relevant policies and procedures. The purpose of the arrangement is to facilitate a gradual return to full duties while supporting the employee's recovery and well-being.

The terms governing phased return arrangements, including the interaction with sick leave and annual leave entitlements, apply generally across the public service and are not specific to any particular illness or medical condition. Under these arrangements, annual leave may be utilised in certain circumstances during a phased return to work in accordance with the applicable public service sick leave provisions and employment policies.

Responsibility for the application of these arrangements rests with individual employers, having regard to the relevant policy framework and the particular circumstances of each case.

The overarching policy framework for public service sick leave arrangements is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.