Nurses, doctors and frontline healthcare workers could receive a cash bonus or extra holidays to recognise their work during the pandemic, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has signalled.
Mr Martin said the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath is “actively” considering and assessing how the State can pay tribute to frontline healthcare workers.
It comes after Labour leader Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach in the Dáil if the government would consider gifting nurses, doctors and frontline workers a €1,000 payment for the tireless work they have put in over the last 18 months.
Mr Kelly outlined that the pandemic has added additional costs to frontline healthcare workers such as childcare.
He said he was aware of a case where a nurse’s car had been clamped numerous times with neighbours offering to pay for the clamp fee.
Addressing Mr Kelly’s request, the Taoiseach said: “I know Minister McGrath has been assessing the situation both in terms of European experiences but also the balance of what you’ve outlined in terms of monetary award and annual leave.
“And how we recognise the efforts made by workers during this pandemic is actively being considered..”
Mr Martin paid tribute to nurses and doctors and said frontline workers have lost lives, many were infected and some are dealing with the long-term impact of Covid-19.
He also acknowledged hospital staff “took a body blow” from the cyber attack in recent weeks.
He said the pandemic still requires “our full attention and we’re not out of the woods yet.”
The Fianna Fáil leader said we still have a journey to go but added “we’re getting there.”
Mr Martin added that the government is “fully committed” to recognising the sacrifices made by frontline healthcare workers.
He said: "Government is examining this actively."
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