Paul Murphy warns gap in COVID benefits will force sick to work

Paul Murphy challenged the government over the ending of the COVID-19 enhanced illness benefit and the timing of statutory sick pay, arguing the change will force people to work while infected. He said the abolition of the €350 enhanced benefit last Friday has left a three-month gap before statutory sick pay begins.

Benefit change and timing

The Tanaiste told the Enterprise Committee that the introduction of statutory sick pay has been delayed by 12 weeks to January 2023, while the COVID-19 enhanced illness benefit of €350 was abolished last Friday and reverted to €208 a week.

Murphy's warning on the gap

Paul Murphy argued the enhanced payment should not have been ended until statutory sick pay was in place. He warned a three-month gap will drive people, through economic necessity, to go to work while infected and worsen the next COVID wave and hospital pressures.

Government response on scheduling

A government response noted that statutory sick pay had not been delayed and was always scheduled to start on January 1st. The reply said the Tanaiste had made the timing clear and that earlier introduction was not possible because of notification and other procedural requirements.

Potential impact on health services and workers

Murphy said the decision amounted to short-term savings that will create greater costs for the health service and for people's health, describing it as "the worst type of stupid penny pinching." He stressed the timing risks increasing infections and strain on hospitals at their busiest time of year.