Waterford Councillors believe the self-employed should receive illness benefit
“The situation is unjust and it must be addressed without further delay." Photo: iStock
Independent Cllr Dónal Barry proposed a motion at the last Waterford City and County Council Plenary meeting around sick pay for the self employed.
Speaking at the meeting, he said: “Waterford City and County Council should call on the Minister for Social Protection, Mr. Dara Calleary TD, and the government to introduce an illness benefit scheme for the self-employed as quickly as possible."
He said: “The self-employed are a vibrant part of our economy as a country. They pay their taxes and their PRSI. They create employment for others, they supply local businesses with good and services.
“The self-employed are no different from anyone else, illness can strike at any time. Yet despite paying their ongoing contributions, there’s no supports for them through the PRSI system. The self-employed are excluded from a vital safety net.
“The situation is unjust and it must be addressed without further delay.
“Successive governments have spoken about this issue. It’s time for action."
Labour's Cllr. Thomas Phelan seconded the motion.
Cllr Phelan said: “If someone was working in a factory, they wouldn’t have to worry if they didn’t turn up to work that they’d be leaving themselves short.
“For a self-employed person it can precarious enough at the best of times so I think they at least deserve to be able to look after themselves.”
The motion was passed.
