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

In case there is any doubt, the point made by Senator Burke is that this legislation is beginning of a statutory sick pay scheme. It is not and cannot be about access to or the cost of health services. That is a separate discussion. We both agree that there is improvement needed in respect of access and the cost of health services, but that is completely separate from the debate on this legislation. This is the statutory sick pay scheme that is putting a cost on employers who create jobs and want to protect jobs. We have to bear that in mind. We can use all sorts of figures of rates of pay because the Senator’s amendment relates to everybody and every rate of pay. Fewer than 10% of people are on the minimum wage. Of course we want to increase the minimum wage up to a living wage. However, it is fewer than 10% of people, which is my understanding, because there has been a major move during our years in government to reduce the numbers on the minimum wage. The Senator may not like that fact, but it is true. We naturally want to improve the lot of any worker. That is why we want to bring forward this scheme. However, what we are legislating for and the cost of access to health services are separate matters. It is important they are kept separate in the interests of having good legislation. Senator Burke made that point, and I should have acknowledged it. Again, I re-emphasise the point that most people go to a doctor because they are sick. Just bear that in mind. If you are sick, you go to a doctor. The Senator is just focusing only on the certification piece. However, the reason people go is because they are sick and want treatment, help and advice.