Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
598. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to set out the savings to the State annually when access to a sick leave payment changed from three days to six days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra599. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to outline her plans to make changes to the number of days off work required for a person to access a sick leave payment in view of the fact that the current situation leaves a person exposed in the event of sickness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49334/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 598 and 599 together.
The projected full-year annual savings of extending the number of “waiting days” for Illness Benefit from three to six was €22 million when the measure was introduced in 2014.
I have no current plans to change the number of waiting days further. In the event that a person experiences financial difficulty during the waiting period, he/she may apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme through the local Intreo service.
