Public Sector Staff Remuneration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018

Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Ceisteanna (4)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

4. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the directions provided to the payment of staff in the public sector and Civil Service that fall under the direction of his Department for the days during Storm Emma when staff were directed to stay at home; if deductions in pay and annual leave were made to staff in the public sector or Civil Service as a result of days lost during the storm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

A number of the public and civil service staff of my Department were fully engaged in the national response to Storm Emma. Essential members of the staff of my Department worked as part of the National Emergency Management Group, managing and overseeing the requirement for Civil Defence and Defence Forces' support across the country and liaising with local authorities, the Health Service Executive and an Garda Síochána.

Non-essential staff in areas covered by the red weather warning were advised not to travel to work on Wednesday, 28 February. In light of the advice issued by the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group that people only undertake travel if absolutely essential, and in line with other government departments, a decision was taken to close all of my Department's offices were on both Thursday 1 March and Friday 2 March.  All staff impacted by the closures will be paid in full for these days.