Healthcare workers could get a bonus for their work during the pandemic, under plans being considered by the Government.
It's unclear whether it would take the form of money or other benefits like holidays.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the Government is "actively considering" how to manage it and give resources to the HSE.
He told the Dáil: "There's been a claim by all public service health employees before the WRC, and we'll be giving that active consideration as to the best way to do this."
Unions representing healthcare workers have said they are "deeply offended" by a lack of proposals to recognise their efforts during the pandemic.
It follows a meeting between health officials and unions at the Workplace Relations Commission yesterday.
Tony Fitzpatrick, chair of the National Joint Council of Health Sector Trade Unions, told Newstalk Breakfast it's now time to recognise health care workers' efforts "either financially or with time off".
He said staff are already exhausted, and now face the prospect of a fourth wave of the virus due to the Delta variant.
The INMO had called for an extra 10 days annual leave for workers in recognition of their efforts.
The WRC will reconvene a meeting on the issue early next month.
