Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to extend this debate because we are going off topic. Any day we mention Eoghan Harris is never a good day as far as I am concerned. The central point I want to make - and I will not fall out with people, well not much anyway - is that there is a weakness in this Bill. Just to be clear: I think this is the third time I am saying it – I support the Bill. I acknowledge this Bill as being a significant step forward. However, there is a weakness in terms of this issue of the first day of sick pay effectively being nothing. I do not see how the Minister of State can argue with my figures. I encourage him to go into detail about that if he wants to. The cost of attending a GP in Limerick is €60. That is the reality. On the basis of the 70% payment provided for in this Bill, my son will come out with €58. That is the reality. The first day sick pay is zero. All I am saying is why not take the opportunity to improve that now. That is all. I am repeating myself. I do not want to labour the point.