Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

440. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1376/25]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sick Leave Act 2022 introduced 3 days of employer-paid, statutory sick leave for the first time in Ireland, coming into force on 1 January 2023. The entitlement for employees increased from 3 to 5 days on January 1 2024.

An important anti-abuse provision is contained within Section 5, Subsection 9 of the Sick Leave Act 2022, which provides that statutory sick leave is only payable if an employee submits a valid medical certificate to the employer. The certificate must be in an official language of the State and signed by a registered medical practitioner stating that the employee named in the certificate is unable to work.

There is no requirement that the medical consultation be in person, however, the certificate must state that the employee is unfit to work due to their illness or injury.

It is open to the employer to implement internal controls to prevent and detect fraud. The Workplace Relations Commission’s Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures is a useful resource in this context.