Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I acknowledged that at the start. I am just quoting the rates that are in place around Europe. Ours is set at 70%, which we think is a reasonable balance. The Minister is very clear on the medium-term plan which is to set the rate at 70% of basic pay, capped at €110 per day. It is to ensure that employers know what their obligations would be and they know that the percentage is linked to the average wage.

Amendments Nos. 20, 21 and 23 set the rate of remuneration at 100% of the employee's basic pay. Our approach is to support both worker and employer. It is the Government's view that a 100% rate would impose excessive costs on employers in certain sectors, particularly those that have to deal with the costs of immediately replacing a sick employee. We need to recognise that is often the SMEs that we are in here trying to support and that we talk about every day who need additional supports. It is about getting the balance right that this scheme is manageable and doable and that employers can take it on because they do want to look after their staff as best as they possibly can.

As with all employment rights, the legislation is intended as a floor-level protection and will not prevent employers offering better sick pay terms or unions negotiating for more through a collective agreement or putting in place other arrangements around certification of sick pay. Some operate at the moment.