Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on transferring the cost of statutory sick pay payments from her Department to employers in view of the fat that it will increase costs on employers and therefore could lead to payroll cost cutting measures which could increase unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46386/12]

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. 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. I am acutely conscious of the pressures facing employers in the current economic climate and I can assure the Deputy that their views - and the views of all stakeholder groups - will be taken into account in considering the matter.