The Social Protection Minister of Ireland, Heather Humphreys, has firmly disagreed with the idea of labelling Covid-19 as an occupational disease, claiming it would be challenging to ascertain if an individual contracted the virus during their work routine. When conversing with the Health Department, Humphreys insisted that Ireland should not align itself with the majority of EU countries in attributing Covid-19 with a unique classification in employment legislation.
As suggested by the European Commission, this illness deserves specific appreciation, particularly in relation to the health and care professions. Despite this, Humphreys argued that individuals unable to work due to the virus are currently eligible for comprehensive support designed for sick employees, inclusive of those suffering from other communicable diseases.
In a letter sent to Stephen Donnelly, the Health Minister, in July, it was mentioned that protocols for occupational diseases have so far only been applied to atypical cases where an individual has sustained severe injuries such as amputation or eye loss. Furthermore, Humphreys noted that this support also extends to individuals who’ve encountered a rare disease. She mentioned anthrax as an instance, a disease associated with professions handling diseased animals or their by-products.
Humphreys underlined her doubt around establishing solid evidence to prove if a person contracted Covid-19 at their workplace given its broad community prevalence. She also highlighted that numerous employment groups were categorised as essential during the pandemic. By her estimation, even during peak restrictions, over a million workers remained actively employed.
The subject of identifying a disease as an occupational illness for social welfare aims goes beyond health and care sectors. Humphreys proposed that if the department is concerned about the repercussions of Covid-19 on health and care employees, particularly those experiencing long-term Covid symptoms, Donnelly could consider initiating a sector-specific approach.
In his response made in September, Donnelly expressed his unease that Ireland could be seen as an exception, as it’s one of two EU states that haven’t officially recognised Covid-19 as an occupational illness. He pointed out that healthcare workers on the frontlines interact directly with Covid-19 positive patients, therefore the likelihood of transmission at the workplace could be deduced under such conditions.
Mr. Donnelly put forth in written words, “I entreat you to reevaluate the issue with a vision of aligning Ireland with other member nations that have already confirmed the suggestion in some capacity or another.”
In her correspondence during the previous October, Minister Humphreys expressed her disagreement to the presumption of workplace transmission during periods of low COVID-19 infection rates. She reiterated that the Department of Health should focus on offering targeted assistance and potentially extending a provisional scheme of compensated leave for health employees in the public sector.
Denoting a brief reply in the subsequent November, Minister Stephen Donnelly acceded to her resolution. He declared in his written communication, “Despite my continued concern that Ireland is one of the mere two EU member nations that have failed to incorporate the recommendation, I recognise the justification outlined in your written note and appreciate the same.”