Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that the Pandemic Special Recognition Payment will be paid to eligible frontline healthcare workers in their next available payroll.
The pandemic bonus, which will range from €600 to €1,000, will be paid "as soon as possible to those who are confirmed as eligible", he said, "subject to local processes".
In a statement, Mr Donnelly said the necessary circulars to activate the payment have been finalised, and will be published by the Health Service Executive early next week.
The Government had announced last January that frontline public sector healthcare workers would receive the bonus - which will not be subject to tax - to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.
Outlining the eligibility criteria, the Department of Heath said employees who from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021 worked in an environment which warranted their inclusion in the early stages of the vaccination programme would be included.
The value of the payment to each eligible worker is based on contracted hours between those dates, with those having worked hours equal to or greater than 60% of full-time hours receiving €1,000.
Pleased to confirm that the Pandemic Special Recognition Payment for eligible healthcare workers will be paid in the next available payroll. I'd like to thank all involved, especially the healthcare workers and the unions for their patience and extensive engagement on this. pic.twitter.com/nAs4Zr7g0R
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) April 15, 2022
Those who worked less than 60% of full-time hours for their grade will receive €600, while those who worked less than four weeks in total will not qualify.
Included among those to receive the payment are support staff employed by the HSE such as cleaners, porters, maintenance and catering staff, as well as paramedics and administrative staff who meet the criteria.
Also included are consultants, nurses and midwives, medical laboratory staff, health and social care professionals, Covid-19 swabbers and vaccinators, as well as healthcare support assistants.
The Department will also "shortly" publish further information outlining arrangements for paying eligible staff not employed by the HSE or Section 38 agencies, such as private sector nursing homes and hospices, and redeployed members of the Department of Defence to work in the HSE.
"This is the result of extensive work by officials in my department and the HSE, as well as consultations between the HSE, Department of Health and health sector trade unions," Mr Donnelly said.
He added: "This measure was introduced as a token of the appreciation and gratitude that myself, my colleagues in Government and the Irish people have for the ongoing efforts of our frontline public sector healthcare workers to protect us all from the worst impacts of Covid-19.
"I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all involved – in particular our frontline public sector healthcare workers and the unions who represent them – for their patience and extensive engagement while this important once off measure was progressed."
