Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that proposals to move costs for statutory sick pay to employers will impact negatively on businesses and lead to the possibility of jobs being lost. [42424/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government is considering the introduction of a scheme of statutory sick pay at this time for a number of compelling reasons – as a measure to help in addressing the deficit in the social insurance fund; as a measure to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and to bring Ireland into line with practice in other countries in this area. In considering the matter, I am acutely conscious of the pressures facing employers in the current economic climate, and in particular, the pressures facing smaller and medium-sized enterprises.

There is a 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 compensatory mechanisms for employers where appropriate and how a scheme would be enforced and policed – and these will be discussed in the course of the wider process associated with the preparation of Budget 2013. The views of stakeholder groups, including small and medium-sized business owners, will be taken into account in that process.