In section 7, we were discussing the understandable reasons employees would want 100% pay cover, as well as the understandable burden on small employers who are already very concerned about having to pay 70% of the statutory sick pay in addition to the replacement cover. To pick up on something Senator Seery Kearney talked about, we know that in the childcare sector many childcare workers earn barely above the minimum wage, often just over €12 per hour. I appeal to those Senators who justify the 70% rate to support amendment No. 17 in order that those who are paid only 70% of their daily rate at least get enough to cover the cost of going to the doctor.

To be clear, the call from Sinn Féin is that the full daily rate of sick pay is paid. If this Bill is to work for low-paid workers, it certainly will not work if the State is to pay 70% of a rate of pay that is less than €12 an hour.

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