Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Dea made a very valid point earlier, namely, that the percentage was based on everybody participating. If everybody does not participate, the money will not be in the pot to go around. That is how it works with employees also. We are all paying in and if we are not sick – please God this will be the case – we will not have to draw down the benefit. Those who are not sick or who are not unemployed are contributing to help those who do get sick or those who become unemployed. The 1.5% is based on the participation of everybody.