I have again highlighted the unfair treatment of self-employed people when they fall sick. At present they cannot avail of Illness Benefit and often have no income when they are out sick.

The person cannot support their family or pay their mortgage despite the fact that they have worked hard and are a major contributor to the exchequer annually.

I have come across many self-employed people who are in dire financial stress when out of work and they usually working on their own and have no backup.

I raised the issue on the floor of the Dáil recently, and I also raised the issue by way of a parliamentary question, but the response is not positive.

I suggested to the Minister that small self-employed people were willing to pay additional PRSI to protect themselves when they fall sick, and this would solve the issue.

In a response to a parliamentary question, the Minister stated that the issue is under review but did not commit to suggestion.