Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Any proposals for changes in the sick pay scheme or to employer PRSI are budgetary matters which will be considered in due course by the Government. Any such consideration will include a thorough examination of the proposals, having regard to the overall impact of the measures proposed. The Minister for Social Protection initiated a consultation process earlier this year on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay. Forfás and representatives from my Department attended the consultative seminar held by the Department of Social Protection, along with a number of business representative organisations. I understand that the Minister for Social Protection recently published a report on that consultation seminar.

Proposals for a statutory sick pay scheme would affect competitiveness and employment. The evidence of this impact will need to be weighed against the potential for savings in terms of reduced absence due to sickness. I will therefore carefully scrutinise any proposals which develop from this consultation phase and their impact on jobs and competitiveness and contribute fully to the budgetary process within the Government.

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