Micheál Martin has said the Government is giving "active consideration" to some tangible recognition for healthcare workers' efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. It’s been speculated that this could come in the form of additional leave, though no specific offer has been made.

The Taoiseach was speaking after health unions expressed disappointment at the HSE’s failure to table a proposal at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing on the case last week.

The WRC has said it will again bring the parties together on 5^th August.

Last year, Fórsa and other health unions submitted a claim for some form of recognition for Covid-19 work. Then, in February, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said “key staff” who had worked during the pandemic could receive a cash payment or extra leave. 

Health workers in Northern Ireland, France, Denmark and elsewhere have been offered some form of tangible recognition for their work during the pandemic crisis.