Illness Benefit Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012

Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Questions (412)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

412. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her statement reported in the media in August 2012 (details supplied) that her proposal to transfer the initial cost of illness benefit to employers would not apply to companies employing fewer than 100 workers remains her intention; and if she will confirm that her estimated saving figure of €89 million is based on the exclusion of all companies employing fewer than 100 workers and or any other exclusions. [52831/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme, the range of complex issues associated with the matter would need to be addressed to the satisfaction of the Government.

These issues include the appropriate rate of payment involved, how a statutory sick pay scheme would be enforced and policed, the extent of coverage of any such scheme and, in particular, the potential for including compensatory mechanisms for certain vulnerable employers, and while no final positions have been adopted in relation to any of these issues, the position of such smaller and vulnerable employers is a key concern and is central to our considerations.

The estimated savings of €89 million was based on the total number of claims of less than four weeks duration, regardless of the size of the enterprises involved.