One-off Covid bonus for frontline workers to be announced in Budget 2022

Coalition leaders will be asked to approve a multimillion-euro award, likely to consist of leave and an ex-gratia payment

A source says delaying a recognition payment can't be delayed in light of health unions' representations to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Stock picture: iStock

A one-off reward bonus to acknowledge the efforts of frontline Covid-19 workers is being finalised and could be announced alongside next month’s budget, senior Government sources have said.

The so-called recognition payment looks set to be announced on Budget day on Tuesday, October 12, with Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath looking to secure approval from the leaders of the three Government parties in the coming days.