Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions he has had with Departments in relation to the proposal regarding sick pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36187/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this year, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, initiated a consultation process to discuss potential changes to the sick pay scheme in Ireland.

Forfás and representatives from my Department attended the consultative seminar held by the Minister, along with a number of business representative organisations. I understand that the Minister for Social Protection recently published a report on the consultation seminar.

I have not held discussions with the Department of Social Protection or any other Department on the issue. Any proposals for changes to the sick scheme would be a matter for the Budgetary process, which will be considered in due course by the Government.

I am aware of the concerns raised by employer representatives that transferring responsibility for the payment of employees' sick pay to employers would add to the cost of doing business. In this context, any such proposals would impact on competitiveness and employment. The evidence of this impact will need to be weighed against the potential for savings in terms of reduced absences due to sickness.

I will carefully scrutinise any proposals which develop from this consultation phase and their impact on jobs and competitiveness, and I will contribute fully to the Budgetary process within Government.