3477. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to review the operation of the critical illness leave policy as it applies to healthcare workers returning to duty following cancer and long Covid, in particular the requirement that such workers have no access to ordinary sick leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61456/26]

The Critical Illness Protocol forms part of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme and is intended to provide additional sick leave supports, subject to eligibility criteria, for employees who are diagnosed with a critical illness or serious physical injury.

The operation of the Protocol, including the interaction between critical illness leave and ordinary sick leave arrangements, is governed by the relevant public service sick leave provisions. These arrangements apply across the public service and are not specific to healthcare workers or to any particular illness or condition.

Employees returning to work following a period of critical illness leave may continue to avail of sick leave supports in accordance with the terms of the applicable scheme and their individual sick leave record.

Responsibility for the overall policy framework governing public service sick leave arrangements, including the Critical Illness Protocol, rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. My Department has no plans at present to seek changes to these arrangements.