The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, sets out the statutory rights for employees in respect of holiday entitlements. The Act provides for the following nine public holidays per year – 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 and St. Stephen's Day. The average public holiday entitlement in the EU at present is approximately 11 days annually.
I am aware of the suggestion by the National Women's Council that an additional paid public holiday should be created to recognise the contribution made by women to the wealth and health of the nation. I recognise and value deeply that great contribution to the economy and quality of life in Ireland and I would welcome, therefore, the designation of a day on which to celebrate and draw attention to that contribution. However, there are no plans at present to create an additional public holiday.