Written answers
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Department of Social Protection
Social Welfare Code
9:00 pm
Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence attached regarding the needs of Ireland's retail industry. [37729/11]
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay (SSP) is being considered as a means of bringing Ireland's approach to the management of illness related work absences into line with the rest of Europe and other OECD countries. Studies undertaken by the OECD indicate that Ireland is one of the very few countries that does not oblige employers to cover some element of sick absence pay notwithstanding that our employer PRSI contribution rates are also among the lowest in Western economies. SSP is also one of a range of options being examined with a view to addressing the significant deficit in the social insurance fund and meeting the commitments which this country has entered into with the EU/IMF/ECB to achieve substantial reductions in current spending.
The Deputy should note that experience of SSP in countries where it has been introduced indicates that it has a positive role to play in reducing absenteeism rates and the transition of employees from short term sick absence to longer term disability absence. These outcomes are positive for the individuals concerned, their employers and society.
I am, of course, deeply conscious of the pressures faced by many employers, including those in the retail sector, and any statutory sick pay scheme would seek to take account of those concerns to the greatest extent possible.
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