Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection her policy on employers paying sick pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37419/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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For a number of compelling reasons, the Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time – as a measure to help in addressing the growing deficit in the Social Insurance Fund; to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and also to bring Ireland into line with practices in other countries in this area.

The range of complex issues that need to be addressed before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of such a scheme – the extent of coverage; the rate of payment; possible compensation mechanisms for employers where appropriate and how the scheme would be enforced and policed – will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013.