Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question in the context of two parts of section 5. I hear the points made by Senator Gavan. To me, the idea of protecting both the employer and the employee is important. I am asking the question in the context of pro ratasick pay. I accept that an employee who works a certain number of days, weeks and months will build up entitlements and an indemnity in terms of cover. To me, the bulwark of our social protection system is that we protect both the employer and the employee. Casting my mind back to the days when I was a student, I was a porter in the hospital. I am thinking of those who worked alongside me and reflecting on the experiences of those who work in sectors such as retail.

I recall that when I worked in the hospital, a colleague of mine was out sick for a long time. However, they had the buttress of the support of the social welfare system. The nature of work has changed now, particularly in the hospital system, where contract cleaners are used and different aspects of work are subcontracted out. To me, the provision of sick pay is about supporting employees so that if they become ill, they are not worried or concerned about pay coming in to the house. It is about putting a buttress around them.

I am perhaps discussing a matter relating to another section, and the Cathaoirleach may ask me speak to this section only, but I wish to raise another point that I made on Second Stage to the Tánaiste. It concerns the provision of the requirement to provide medical certificates, in respect of the cost involved in having to go to the doctor.

Under Part 2 of the Bill, the employee is entitled to up to and including three statutory sick leave days in a year. I am saying this badly, but employees build up annual leave entitlement, whether it is 20 days' leave or 21 days' leave. I am worried that we are getting the approach to sick leave entitlement wrong from day 1 of an employee's employment, if that is how Senator Gavan is reading it. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response to the amendment.There is a balance we must strike between the employer and employee. I do not think there is wholescale abuse of sick leave or sick pay among the workforce. I know this is of concern to some. I would like to hear the views of the Minister of State on this. Part 10 mentions a registered medical practitioner. I look forward to the reply of the Minister of State.