Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
22. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details for the implementation of statutory sick pay for all employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18815/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to introducing a statutory sick pay scheme. The Sick Leave Bill is intended to provide a level of protection to workers who may have no company sick pay schemes and cannot afford to miss work.
The Bill has been published and is available on my Department’s website.
Taking account of the current economic climate the initial period covered by employers will be modest, but this will increase incrementally up to 10 days. It’s being phased in to help employers, particularly small businesses, to plan ahead and manage the additional cost.
The legislation will provide for a replacement rate of 70% of gross salary for a duration of 3 working days in a calendar year for the first year, which effectively removes the gap in coverage known as waiting days before the State's Illness Benefit kicks in for eligible applicants. We have taken a balanced approach, to support both worker and employer.
There will be a daily earnings cut-off point of €110 which will ensure that employers do not face excessive costs and that jobs are not jeopardised. Section 10 of the Bill provides for those businesses who are genuinely unable to pay.
In relation to entitlement to a payment, any day taken as sick leave under the Act will require a medical cert from a registered medical practitioner.
Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed. I have reviewed the Joint Oireachtas Committee's recommendations and I brought forward some amendments arising from its Report. I am presenting the Bill for second stage debate in the Dáil on Thursday April 7th and I hope to progress the Bill through all stages as soon as possible thereafter.
