I propose to take Questions Nos. 667, 680 and 748 together.
There are a number of compelling reasons why the Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time – firstly, as a measure to help in addressing the growing deficit in the social Insurance Fund; secondly, as a measure to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and thirdly, to bring Ireland into line with practices in other countries in this area.
However, I am acutely conscious of the pressures facing employers in the current economic climate, and in particular, the pressures facing smaller and medium-sized enterprises, and I am aware of the opinions expressed by small firms in the recent survey conducted by the Small Firms Association (SFA) regarding the impact of the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay. The report of the seminar which I hosted in February 2012 has been published and the Department has also met separately with key stakeholders.
I can assure the House that the range of complex issues that need to be addressed before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of such a scheme – the extent of coverage; the rate of payment; possible compensation mechanisms for employers where appropriate and how the scheme would be enforced and policed – will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013, and the views of stakeholder groups, such as the SFA, will be taken into account in that process.