The Labour Court recommended a final extension of the temporary scheme for Pyschiatric Nurses And Dentists with Long Covid, from 1 July to 31 December 2025. Those remaining on the scheme should then transition to the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme from 1 January 2026. The recommendation was signed on 26 June 2025.
The unions sought an Occupational Illness Scheme and support for workers excluded from the temporary scheme. The Department Of Health & HSE said the scheme was temporary and set out other sick-leave supports available to affected staff. The Court said Covid-19 and Long Covid were not considered occupational illnesses or workplace injuries in the jurisdiction, and it could not determine otherwise. It recommended no change to the eligibility structure for excluded workers and no independent review of their eligibility.