Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
371 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the consultations held to date in connection with the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme; her plans to hold a full public consultation on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21716/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra372 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has conducted any form of cost benefits analysis on the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme and the impact this would have on local businesses and employment levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21717/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra373 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has held any consultations with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in connection with the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme and the impact this may have on small and medium enterprises here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21718/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 371 to 373, inclusive, together.
The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay, whereby employers would directly meet the costs of sick absence for an initial period of illness, is being considered in the context of the need to reform the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries in this area; the need to address the deficit in the social insurance fund; the need to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and in the wider context of enhancing the health of the workforce and addressing levels of absenteeism. I hosted a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay on 20th February 2012. This seminar was attended by a broad range of key stakeholders and afforded an initial opportunity to discuss the complex issues involved. The report of that seminar will be published in the near future and will provide the basis for more detailed consultations with key stakeholders, including other relevant Government Departments such as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, over the coming months.
Before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme, a range of complex issues need to be examined in detail. The cost/benefit analysis of the scheme will be contingent on how these issues are addressed and how the scheme would ultimately be structured. The analysis of the potential impacts will be developed and refined as the consultations with key stakeholders progress.
