Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
22. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to his decision to deem all employees, including part-time employees not eligible for the pension scheme, of education and training boards to be public servants for the purpose of applying the sick pay scheme in the sector; if he will provide the funding necessary for the ETBs to cover the cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29665/14]
View answerThe introduction of a single public service sick leave scheme comprising a substantial reduction in public servants' access to paid sick leave, other than in the case of a critical illness, is an essential step in reducing the unsustainable cost of sick leave in the public service. The comprehensive application of the new scheme is a very important element in supporting the achievement of this objective. Given that this is a significant cost-reducing measure, I would not anticipate that its application will give rise to funding pressures in any public service body, indeed the opposite situation would be expected to pertain.
