Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did acknowledge the example put forward by the Senator in respect of his son. We have had plenty of discussion on this in both Houses. I ask him to acknowledge that the Government is bringing in a new statutory sick pay scheme. Today, a worker who is sick may not get payment. People go to a doctor for more than one reason. They do not just go there to get a medical certificate; they often go because they are sick and need to see a doctor. The Senator should bear that in mind. Even under the existing illness benefit scheme through the Department of Social Protection, a person needs to have medical certification. That is not new. I totally acknowledge the example put forward by the Senator. I am not denying it whatsoever. I ask him to acknowledge the current situation and that what we are bringing in is a major improvement on that situation, one of which we are all supportive. We must also bear in mind that there must be protections and balance within that. Medical certification is a natural and fair way to give protection to everybody involved in the scheme.