Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. There is overwhelming support for the general thrust of the Bill. It is about bringing in sick pay for employees who never had the option of it to date.

While there is goodwill, I too support the call from the Local Jobs Alliance, about which my colleagues, Senators Currie and Seery Kearney have spoken, and ask the Minister of State to consider its suggestion. I know we could bring forward an amendment on Report Stage if we thought it would work. When the Tánaiste was before the Seanad, he said that the Department was willing to consider looking at the whole rebate scheme side of it. This is especially relevant for smaller employers, many of whom have had such a burden during Covid, and now with the war ongoing, there are so many extra costs involved. While the employers are willing to pay employee sick pay that will be phased in over time, some of them are still not back up and running fully. The Minister of State might not be able to look at this matter today, but if he could come back to us on this or take it into consideration, it would be appreciated.