Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2004
43 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public holidays enjoyed by workers here and the way in which this compares with the EU average; if she has any plans to increase the number of public holidays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13838/04]
View answerThe Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 provides for the entitlement of employees to the following nine public holidays per year. These are 1 January, New Year's Day; St. Patrick's Day; Easter Monday; the first Monday in May; the first Monday in June; the first Monday in August; the last Monday in October; Christmas Day; St. Stephen's Day. The average public holiday entitlement in the EU at present is approximately 11 days annually. I have no plans to increase the number of public holidays in Ireland.
