Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be clear to avoid doubt. There is an exemption in the legislation from the obligation to pay sick pay under the statutory sick pay scheme. I appreciate that there is a similar exemption in respect of the minimum wage. It is not used by everyone, which I have made clear to employers and bodies on all sides that have engaged with me. That has nothing to do with whether it is onerous. Rather, the majority feel that they are able to pay the minimum wage. It is important that we keep an eye on this matter and the exemptions allowed for in this legislation. That will be in addition to what the Deputy is talking about. We will have an ongoing consultation after enactment, and it is important that we do so. I am happy to commit to it.

I accept that the committee's members want to ensure that we get this right without unduly affecting the employer or jeopardising jobs while also putting protections in place for those who are genuinely sick. Employers have told the committee and us that the certification process has to be managed well. It is important that we balance the medical certification process right. That will probably allay some of the fears that a number of employers have. To be fair, the majority of employers have been clear to us that they want to protect their staff. They recognise the importance of not having sick people at work. There will always be some who argue, but the majority have been clear to us about wanting to do right by their employees. They recognise the importance of strengthening their teams and skilled workforces and of availing of all of the supports that we have across the system, including from the Departments of Social Protection, Education and Enterprise, Trade and Employment.