David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take that last point. There is another side to that, that if employees feel valued they would want to go back to work earlier and will not take time off. I have seen that in some companies. In fact, there is a worry that some people might not take time off sick even if they are sick because their loyalty to the company is so strong. It is something I know some people do as well which they should not do.

I have two questions. First, I note in some countries that sickness benefit is 80% of salary and there is a cap on what is paid. What is their view on that? Second, is there any European Union state that has already done this where the witnesses feel there is best practice that we should emulate?