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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 5

Written Answers. - Holiday Entitlements.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

57 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public holidays to which employees are entitled; the way in which this compares with the EU average; the plans, if any, she has to increase the number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12206/99]

The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, sets out the statutory rights for employees in respect of holiday entitlements. This Act provides for the following nine public holidays per year: (a) 1 January, New Year's Day; (b) St. Patricks Day; (c) Easter Monday; (d) the first Monday in May; (e) the first Monday in June; (f) the first Monday in August; (g) the last Monday in October; (h) Christmas Day; (i) St. Stephen's Day.

The average public holiday entitlement in the EU at present is approximately 11 days annually.

This year the Government has approved the designation of 31 December 1999 as a special once-off public holiday in celebration of the millennium. There are no further plans at present to increase the number of public holidays.

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