The Government has today announced that a €1,000 payment will be made to a number of frontline staff who worked throughout the pandemic.
This tax-free recognition payment will be a once-off payment and is set to cost the state over €100 million.
On top of this payment, a new public holiday on March 18 followed by a remembrance day for those who lost their lives during the pandemic will be held.
Over 9000 people have died on the island of Ireland due to Covid.
The public holiday will then move to its permanent date of February 1 to mark St Brigid's Day.
Here's every group confirmed to be receiving the payment:
- All public healthcare workers who worked in a clinical setting including the likes of hospital cleaners, ambulance drivers and hospital porters will all be receiving the €1000 payment.
- Student nurses are also in line to receive the tax-free recognition payment if they were on placement in hospitals and healthcare settings.
- Defence Forces who were deployed to work in vaccination and testing centres are also eligible for the payment.
- Nursing home staff will be getting the payment.
- Private nursing home staff and hospice staff will both get the payment.
Those frontline workers who aren't getting the payment are being rewarded with a new bank holiday, instead.
"Frontline healthcare workers will also receive a special, once-off tax-free payment of €1,000 in recognition of their work in dangerous and challenging conditions during the pandemic, and for the thousands of lives saved as a result of their efforts, Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar said.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Michael McGrath said: "While no monetary amount could truly reflect the dedication of healthcare staff on the frontline, the Government believes it is appropriate, at this time, that a once-off tax-free payment of €1,000 be provided for all eligible public service healthcare and ambulance workers, in recognition of their efforts."
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