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SF propose alternative to sick pay Bill

Tuesday, October 23 14:49:17

Speaking in advance of the Dail Private Member's Bill on statutory sick pay this evening Sinn Fein said the government's proposal to foist a greater share of the cost of sick pay on to all employers will cost jobs.

Aengus O Snodaigh said the government should instead raise more PRSI from those employers that can afford to pay it.

"By passing an E89 million burden onto employers with no regard to their ability to pay some employers will be forced to close jobs, sick workers will see their pay-packets reduced and discrimination against those with disabilities or recurring illnesses will rise. The Fianna Fail motion to be debated this evening rightly condemns the government proposal but they offer no alternative whatsoever. To be credible in opposition you can't just say no, you must put forward alternatives," he said.

"I am putting forward an alternative plan which would raise E91.5 million or E2.5 million more than the figure targeted by government. I am tabling an amendment to tonight's motion proposing that the government instead increase the employers' PRSI contributions paid by those employers that can afford to pay more without precipitating job losses or pay cuts for those on low and middle incomes."

"The government could do this by raising the employer PRSI contribution made on pay exceeding E100,000 to 15.75pc which would raise E91.5 million without cutting the Illness Benefit Scheme or costing jobs."