I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, together.
The introduction of a Statutory Sick Pay scheme, along the lines of those which operate in many other European countries, is one of the issues that has been considered by the Government in the context of reducing public expenditure. As I mentioned in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 22 November 2011 to Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, I asked Forfás to examine the potential impact on competitiveness and employment of Statutory Sick Pay, if such a scheme were to be introduced in Ireland.
I have received a preliminary report from Forfás on this matter, but it would be premature of me to comment on it until the Cabinet has completed its consideration of such issues.