Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. The Sick Leave Act 2022 introduced employer-paid, medically certified statutory sick leave for the first time in Ireland. Commencing on 1 January 2023, the initial statutory entitlement was up to three days’ sick leave, which increased to five days on 1 January 2024. This could potentially increase to seven days in 2025 and ten days in 2026.

Introducing statutory sick leave forms part of the Government's efforts to develop a more inclusive and more competitive economy and a fairer society. It is about making work pay and was designed in consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the social partners - employer groups and trade unions – to roll out on a phased basis.

Furthermore, section 10 of the Act provides a mechanism by which individual businesses that are struggling financially can avail of protection from the Labour Court from having to pay sick leave for a defined period of time. However, I acknowledge the concerns raised about the cumulative cost of regulation to business, especially in the short term. That is why a range of measures is being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve competitiveness of firms.

It is important also to note that statutory sick leave has been recognised by employer groups as beneficial to society and the economy. Statutory sick leave is demand led, offers a floor level of protection and does not interfere with existing, more favourable sick leave schemes. It is also a valuable public health measure, reducing the likelihood of infectious disease transmission in the workplace. Officials in my Department are carefully assessing the impact of statutory sick leave on businesses by sector and company size to inform the decision in respect of the timing and scale of the next phase in the roll-out of the scheme, including the number of days. This information could also inform the design of targeted supports, where necessary.

See this speech in context