Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2022
32. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the statutory sick pay scheme; when the Sick Leave Bill 2021 will be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/22]
View answerThis Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme and work is well underway in this regard.
Any move to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme must be balanced with the need to support the viability of the business and enterprise sector, thereby protecting jobs. My Department undertook a full public consultation, reviewed international best practice, and formed an interdepartmental group – to ensure that all views and issues were properly considered in the development of the scheme. The draft Heads of Bill have been published and are available on my Department’s website.In the first instance, the legislation will provide for a replacement rate of 70% of gross salary for a duration of 3 working days in a calendar year. Coupled with the 70% rate of pay, the application of a daily earnings cut-off point of €110 will ensure that employers do not face excessive costs and that jobs are not jeopardised.
Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed and I hope to receive the Joint Oireachtas Committee's report in the coming weeks. Once this report has been received I will review their findings and then I will be in a position to seek Government approval to present the Bill to the Houses.
