Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

Therefore, I am removing the existing tax exemption for the first 36 days of illness benefit and occupational injury benefit in order that this incentive to absenteeism is removed. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, will in 2012 introduce proposals to deal with absenteeism in the public and private sectors. She will engage in discussions with all interested parties and invite submissions from the public with a view to introducing a range of proposals.

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