6. Variation of number of statutory sick leave days
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Minister may, following consultation with the Minister for Social Protection, by order specify such number of statutory sick leave days as he or she considers appropriate having regard to:
(a) the state of the economy generally, the business environment and national competitiveness;
(b) the state of society generally, the public interest and employee well-being;
(c) the potential impact, including the potential for any disproportionate or other adverse impact, that the making of an order will have on the economy generally, specific sectors of the economy, employers or employees;
(d) annual and quarterly data on earnings and labour costs as published by the Central Statistics Office;
(e) expert opinion, research, national or international reports relating to the matters specified at paragraphs (a) to (d) that the Minister considers relevant;
(f) the views of employer representative bodies and trade unions;