asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she will make a statement outlining her views in relation to the introduction of statutory sick pay.
Written Answers. - Statutory Sick Pay.
371.
The Government have been considering proposals for the overhaul of the disability benefit scheme by transferring responsibility for payment of disability benefit during an initial period to employers and have consulted the National Economic and Social Council in the matter. The council, having considered the proposal, indicated a number of areas where practical problems might arise in their implementation. In particular, concern was expressed in regard to the costs for small firms and the difficulty of ensuring that small firms would fulfil an obligation to pay statutory sick pay.
The Commission on Social Welfare considered that there are a number of positive aspects associated with the proposal but recognised also, that there are problems associated with it. The problems which have been identified are at present being examined with a view to formulating an outline scheme which would provide a basis for further discussion of the proposal with employers and trade unions.