Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
322. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a response will issue to matters raised in correspondence in relation to the new sick pay scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11779/24]
View answerThe Sick Leave Act 2022 commenced on 1 January 2023 and introduced a new statutory right to employer-paid sick leave. This Act provides a minimum protection to employees who do not have access to a more favourable employer sick leave scheme, many of whom are low-paid and cannot afford to miss work.
As you are aware, the minimum days were initially set at 3 days for 2023 and this was increased to 5 days in January 2024.
It is important to note that in order to claim statutory sick pay an employee is required to be certified as not just unwell but as medically unfit for work. Additionally, an employer is required to provide sick pay in respect of a medically certified absence at the lower of 70% of the employee's wage or €110 per day.
A response to the correspondence has been issued directly .
