What are sick leave entitlements and processes like in Ireland?

Ireland provides statutory entitlements for employees who are unable to work due to illness, ensuring they have the necessary time to recover. Here’s what you need to know about sick leave in Ireland.


Medical Certificate Requirement

  • When required: Employees are generally required to provide a medical certificate if they are absent for more than 2 consecutive days due to illness.


Leave for Medical Care

  • Entitlement: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 5 days of paid sick leave within any 12 consecutive months.
  • Future increases: This entitlement will increase to 7 days from 2025 and to 10 days from 2026, reflecting the government's commitment to improving employee welfare.


Salary Payment During Sick Leave

Employers have two main options for handling salary payments during an employee's sick leave:

  • Statutory Sick Leave Scheme: Under this scheme, employers are required to pay a minimum of 70% of the employee's salary, with a maximum cap of EUR 110 per day. This statutory sick pay is mandatory for employees who have been employed for more than 13 weeks.

  • Illness Benefit: In addition to statutory sick pay from the employer, employees may be eligible for Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection. This is a social security payment that helps to supplement the employee's income during extended periods of illness.


This system ensures that employees have financial support during their recovery period while balancing the costs for employers. For more detailed information or assistance, consult with your HR department or the Department of Social Protection.

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