368. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 3148 of 28 July 2026, if she intends to progress any long-term supports for healthcare workers with long Covid; and to provide an update on her Department's engagements with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation with respect to this matter. [66171/26]

Managers in the HSE have been advised to look favourably at CIP applications. The HSE have established a Working Group to assist affected staff in their recovery and, where possible, their return to work, including through appropriate workplace measures and phased returns. Its work includes monitoring decisions on Critical Illness Protocol applications and following up on cases where applications have been refused. The group met all HSE Regions between 28 and 31 July to reinforce the need to assist affected staff appropriately and ensure that eligible staff receive support under the Protocol. Further meetings are due to take place with each Region during September. The Department will continue to engage with the HSE Working Group.