Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
155. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter regarding holiday pay in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39329/20]
View answerThe Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 sets out the key parameters around the taking of annual leave and payment of same. The terms and conditions of individual employment contracts may provide additional specifics within those parameters such as stipulations in relation to the entitlement to extra days' leave above what is statutorily required by the Act.
Section 19 of the Act provides that an employee shall be entitled to paid annual leave equal to:
(a) 4 working weeks in a leave year in which he or she works at least 1,365 hours (unless it is a leave year in which he or she changes employment),
(b) One third of a working week for each month in the leave year in which he or she works at least 177 hours, or
(c) 8 per cent of the hours he or she works in a leave year (but subject to a maximum of 4 weeks).
With regard to the provision of illness supports associated with the pandemic, the Department of Social Protection has a special Covid-19 Illness Benefit package for those that find themselves ill as a result of the virus. The rate of payment is higher than the normal maximum personal rate at €350 per week, with additional payments possible in respect of a qualified adult and qualified child.
When a worker is told to self-isolate or to restrict their movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they can apply for the enhanced Illness Benefit payment. There are no waiting days and payment is made from the first day of illness. This allows workers to comply with medical advice to self-isolate to mitigate the spread of the virus, while having their income protected.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs and those of their families. This scheme comes under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection.
