Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
467. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding is in place to facilitate the phased return to work on a part-time basis for full-time contractual public sector workers following periods of sick leave; if so, if it will apply to all public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33081/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Sick Leave Scheme was introduced in 2014. The Scheme standardised paid sick leave arrangements across the generality of the Public Service and includes a provision for extended leave in the case of critical illness or injury.
A review of the operation of the Scheme was carried out in 2016 and the issue of a phased return to work was one of the issues considered. The Review highlighted that given the variety of work across the public sector it is important that return to work arrangements are designed to reflect the demands of the role and the individual’s health.
An employee recovering from illness or injury may be recommended a phased return to work by their Occupational Health Physician. Various means are used by the individual public sector employers to facilitate this process. Decisions are based on medical advice and considerations relating to that individual and the nature of their duties (or modified duties where relevant) and the needs of the workplace. This flexible approach was the preferred option due to that fact that each case is unique.
