Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2012
285 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the full details of the proposals of the changes to sick leave provisions for public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Croke Park Agreement management and staff representatives have agreed to work together to deliver increased productivity and maximise efficiencies in the delivery of public services. It is estimated that the cost of sick leave across the public service is over €500m. The State is no longer in a financial position to be able to sustain the cost of the existing sick leave arrangements in the public service. It is the view of public service management that a reduction in the amount of paid sick leave across the public service will result in increased productivity, a reduction in the cost of sick leave and improved morale. Therefore management has made proposals to reduce the arrangements for paid sick leave across the public service.
The Labour Relations Commission is facilitating discussions between the management side and the public service unions on proposals to change sick leave provisions across the public service. The final extent of the changes to the sick leave provisions will not be determined until this process has been completed.
