Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I have stated on a number of occasions that in the context of the consultative forum held a short time ago, a statutory sick pay scheme would have to take into account the needs of different sectors of employment, particularly those small businesses, and other specific situations. The costs relating to illness benefit, disability allowance and invalidity pension are enormous. The number of people claiming these payments and the costs relating to them have soared in recent years. I wish to put a point to Deputy Cowen. All of our principal competitors have statutory sick pay systems and they have found - this is evident from published information and from conversations I have had with people from other countries - that it improves matters and provides for a much better atmosphere in places of work. In other words, these systems lead to employers being interested in both the health and welfare of their employees and in promoting a wellness environment in the workplace. The most up-to-date international research, including that compiled by the OECD over a protracted period, indicates that this is good for everybody. It is a win-win situation for employers and employees. It is particularly positive for employees who may develop problems and who, together with their employers, can actually access assistance in order to provide for their good health.

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