Sickpay after self employed

Eavening all,

Hope some one can shed some light.

I was self employed for a couple of years and now just about to start work as an employee. The company is small and do not pay sick days. My problem is that from what I have read I can only receive payment from the goverment is I have:

• At least 104 weeks PRSI paid since you first started work

And

• Have 39 weeks PRSI paid or credited in the relevant tax year (a minimum of 13 weeks must be paid contributions*)

Or

• Have 26 weeks PRSI paid in the relevant tax year and 26 weeks PRSI paid in the tax year immediately before the relevant tax year.

Does this mean that if I am sick, I get no money from employer nor from goverment, meaning that if I become sick, I'm pennyless and screwed.

Thanks in advance,

Phil