Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the number of statutory sick days will increase as per the timeline of seven days from January 2025 and ten days from January 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16987/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sick Leave Act 2022 introduced employer-paid, medically certified, statutory sick leave for the first time in Ireland. Commencing on 1 January 2023, the initial statutory entitlement was to up to 3 days’ sick leave, which increased to 5 days on 1 January 2024. As the Deputy has noted, this could potentially increase to 7 days in 2025, reaching 10 days in 2026.
Introducing statutory sick leave forms part of Government efforts to develop a more inclusive, as well as a more competitive, economy and fairer society. It is about making work pay and it was designed in consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the Social Partners to roll out on a phased basis.
However I know that some businesses, particularly SMEs, are facing increased costs and have concerns about the cumulative impacts of increased labour regulation. That is why the Government has introduced a range of measures to support these businesses in adjusting to new measures to improve working conditions, along with more generally improving the cost competitiveness of firms.
It is important to note that statutory sick leave has been recognised by employer groups as beneficial to society and the economy. Statutory sick leave is demand-led. It offers a floor level of protection and does not interfere with existing, more favourable, sick leave schemes. It is also a valuable public health measure, reducing the likelihood of infectious disease transmission in the workplace.
Officials in my Department are carefully assessing the impact of statutory sick leave on businesses by sector and company size to inform the decision in respect of the timing and scale of the next phase in the rollout of the scheme, including the number of days sick leave covered.
