Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
248 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if she has had or is proposing meetings with the national organisation regarding this issue; if the meetings have taken place, the results of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33361/12]
View answerA consultative forum on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay was held in February of this year. The national organisation to which the Deputy refers was represented at the Forum, (a report of which is now available on the Department's website). I should add that Department officials will also be meeting some of the organisation again on the matter.
At that forum, concerns were expressed by various employer representative groups regarding the introduction of such a scheme, and these concerns will be taken into account as the range of complex issues associated with the introduction of such a scheme continue to be considered.
The issues involved will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013 and any decisions which might be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme will be considered in that context.
