Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

It applies in the private sector but it is not as prevalent because, as the Senator said, not that many private sector employers would pay a full salary while people were on sick leave. The social welfare payment people receive when they are out is not liable to tax, so one combines the two. It would apply in the public service and private sector but it is more prevalent in the public service. It fuels absenteeism because there are many pressures on people, especially on young couples, and if they face a long commute and if there are two people at work in the family, one can see where the temptation arises if one gets more take home pay by staying at home. The temptation in any family crisis to stay at home and take full sick leave is quite strong.