Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:61. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in providing a right to sick pay to workers in the context of the pandemic. [35096/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 10 November 2020
Ceisteanna (61)
Freagraí scríofa
I have committed to introduce a statutory sick pay scheme for Ireland and this scheme will be designed in consultation with unions and employer groups. I have already begun discussions with these groups and I will be launching a full public consultation very shortly. I encourage employers, employees and unions to engage with this consultation and make their views known.
The Government is committed to moving through the process and settling issues as quickly as possible and to publish the General Scheme of a Bill by March 2021.
The reduction in waiting days for illness benefit from six days to three days, as announced in the budget, is a significant first step.
With regard to the provision of illness supports associated with the pandemic, the Department of Social Protection has a special Covid-19 Illness Benefit package for those that find themselves ill as a result of the virus. The rate of payment is higher than the normal maximum personal rate at €350 per week, with additional payments possible in respect of a qualified adult and qualified child.
When a worker is told to self-isolate or to restrict their movements by a doctor or the HSE due to being a probable source of infection or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they can apply for the enhanced Illness Benefit payment. There are no waiting days and payment is made from the first day of illness. This allows workers to comply with medical advice to self-isolate to mitigate the spread of the virus, while having their income protected.