Sick pay in Ireland (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: In Ireland the employer pays statutory sick pay of 70% of daily pay, up to €110 a day, for up to 5 days a calendar year. There are no waiting days, but the employee needs 13 weeks of service and a doctor's certificate from day 1.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work | The employer pays statutory sick pay for each statutory sick leave day. After the statutory days, Illness Benefit from the Department of Social Protection may be paid to employees with enough PRSI contributions (from day 6). [1] |
| Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work | 70% of normal daily pay, up to a maximum of €110 a day. [2] |
| Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work | Up to 5 statutory sick leave days in a calendar year, consecutive or not. Unused days cannot be carried forward. The number was raised from 3 to 5 by S.I. 10/2024. [2] |
| Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work | None. The right to statutory sick pay starts on the first day off sick and the employer cannot apply waiting days. The employee must have completed 13 weeks of continuous service. [2] |
| Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work | For each statutory sick leave day the employee must give the employer a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that they are unable to work. The certificate is needed from day 1 of the sick leave. [1] |
Notes
- An employer scheme that is more favourable overall replaces statutory sick pay; the two are not paid together.
Sources
- Office of the Attorney General (Irish Statute Book): Sick Leave Act 2022 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Citizens Information Board: Sick leave and sick pay (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.