Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes the point very well. Based on what we know from various surveys, absenteeism levels are significantly higher in the public sector than in the private sector. I reiterate that the current system, which there are no proposals to change, stipulates that the first three days are not paid for by the employer or the State but are covered by the individual. It is not proposed to change that. The proposal involves having a look at reducing the overall levels of illness, particularly in the public sector, with which my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is dealing. I do not want to mention the Croke Park agreement but there are certain reforms under discussion and there are positive outcomes. The critical thing internationally is that if issues like illness are dealt with at the firm, group, operations or departmental level, there are much better outcomes for the employees. Otherwise, one risks a situation arising where a percentage of people end up taking long-term illness leave. I am not referring here to those who have an accident or very serious illness which may be life-threatening; that is understood by everybody. However, as the Deputy noted, in parts of the public sector, building up a significant number of sick days has become, unfortunately, something that is an Irish experience. It was so in other countries but they have reformed the system to put the emphasis on wellness at work. For example, if somebody's lifestyle resulted in he or she having repeated periods of illness, the firm and management, be they in the public or private sector, would help that individual to address those difficulties to avoid it becoming a chronic condition and possibly leading to that person leaving the workforce.

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