Public healthcare workers who worked on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic are to receive a once-off €1,000 tax free payment under a plan passed by Cabinet this morning.
All public healthcare staff who worked in a clinical setting, including hospital porters, cleaners and ambulance workers will be eligible for the bonus.
However, workers in private hospitals will not receive the bonus.
In a statement, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “Frontline healthcare workers will 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.”
Public Expenditure Minister 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.
“I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment during this extraordinary period.”
The payment won’t be restricted to clinical staff, and will apply to the likes of porters and attendants in hospitals.
Nursing students and Defence Forces staff seconded to the HSE will also be eligible for the payment.
Around €100,000 people will benefit at a cost to the state in the region of €100 million.