Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 6 provides that the Minister will not make an order adjusting the number of statutory sick leave days under the Bill until 12 months after its enactment, and that a period of 12 months must pass between each subsequent adjustment. This amendment would remove that provision and place no restrictions on how often the number of sick leave days could be changed. Limiting adjustments to once every 12 months provides both employers and employees with a degree of certainty around their obligations, entitlements and costs. Once enacted, employers will know in advance of each year what their obligations are in relation to statutory sick leave. This will allow for better alignment with contracts of employment and tax responsibilities. The limit on adjustments will also allow the Minister time to reflect on the impact of any change The fact that the adjustment, which can now only be an upwards adjustment, can only happen every 12 months is a reasonable one, allowing employers to plan ahead and to know what their costs and payroll obligations will be. If a future Minister wanted to go faster, that would best be done primary legislation. I cannot accept the amendment.

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