Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to review the waiting period of six days under the illness benefit scheme whereby it is not paid for the first six days of sick leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The substantial deficit in the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in recent years has been tackled through structural changes in PRSI rates such as the abolition of ceilings and allowances, as well as changes to contribution conditions and duration of payments.

The increase in the number of “waiting days” from 3 to 6 was a relatively modest adjustment, required to ensure that the SIF is protected for current and future generations.

Despite the projected surplus in the SIF in 2016, the financing of the SIF in the medium and long-term remains problematical. As highlighted in the last actuarial review of the SIF, published in 2012, financing State pension entitlements, which are largely driven by demographic pressures, will, in particular, pose a major challenge over the medium to long-term.

In this context there are no current plans to change the number of “waiting days” for illness benefit. It should be noted that the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance is available in cases where a person is experiencing financial difficulties.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.