Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister said there needs to be more consultation in Government on this proposal. Is she aware, however, that some Government backbenchers and one Cabinet member have stated they do not agree with her proposal? Last week, the Deputy behind the Minister, Deputy Harris, said that the sick leave situation in Departments was three times more serious than in the private sector. He suggested this should be dealt with before we examine sick leave arrangements in the private sector. Is the Minister aware that small businesses and the self-employed are still awaiting legislation on upward-only rent reviews and proposals for new methods by which rates are calculated, let alone paid? Is she aware that many of those whom she implies should be brought into this sick pay arrangement - taxation by the back door – cannot afford an arrangement which could possibly amount to €89 million in new taxation?

See this speech in context