Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her proposals to cut entitlements to illness benefit. [28048/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay, whereby employers would directly meet the costs of sick absence for an initial period of illness. This is being considered in the context of the need to reform the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries in this area; the need to address the deficit in the social insurance fund; the need to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and in the wider context of enhancing the health of the workforce and addressing levels of absenteeism. I hosted a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay in February 2012. This seminar was attended by a broad range of key stakeholders and afforded an opportunity to discuss the complex issues involved. A report of that seminar will be published very shortly and will provide the basis for further consultations.

A range of complex issues need to be addressed before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme. The potential impacts of introducing such a scheme will be developed and refined as consultation with key stakeholders progresses.