93. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning to delay the expansion of the sick pay scheme to workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23306/24]

The Sick Leave Act 2022 introduced employer-paid, medically-certified, statutory sick leave for the first time in Ireland. From 1 January 2023, the initial statutory entitlement was up to 3 days’ sick leave, which increased to 5 days on 1 January 2024.

The Deputy will be aware that statutory sick leave, and its phased roll-out, was designed in consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the Social Partners.

A Ministerial decision will be required by the end of this year on the third phase of this plan, including whether to increase the entitlement to 7 days next year.