Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I indicated on Second Stage that I would be tabling amendments on Report Stage. These relate to small textual changes required in respect of section 2, namely, the replacement of references to vocational education committees, which have been abolished, with references to education and training boards; the replacement in section 6 of the word "that" on line 27 of the relevant page with the words "the pay"; and amendment of the terms of section 9(2) relating to the provisions of the commencement order.

I also propose to introduce amendments which will set out the terms of a new sick leave scheme for the public service and give me as Minister the power to vary that scheme in certain circumstances. My Department engaged with the public service unions throughout last year on the introduction of revised sick leave arrangements across the public service. The proposed changes provide for a reduction in access to paid sick leave across the public service with a view to ensuring greater productivity and a reduction in the associated costs of sick leave. I will circulate the details of these amendments in good time and we will have an opportunity to discuss them in detail on Report Stage.