Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

I can assure the committee this is a priority issue for the Minister and the Department. We have published details in respect of absenteeism in the Department, which is currently 2.8%, on our website. Mr. O'Brien, as chairman of the HSE, myself, as Secretary General of the Department, and the Minister have insisted on publication of full details of all absenteeism across the health system. In truth, absenteeism in the health system is neither affordable nor sustainable. The Minister is on public record in this regard. We need all staff of the HSE to have regard to the fact that this is an extremely difficult time. Without going into specifics, "Olympic absenteeism" - a phrase I coined - was 11% in the context of one hospital. I am aware of other services in respect of which absenteeism has reached 9%. These levels are totally unacceptable. We are targeting a 3.5% figure across the system. We want to work closely with the staff associations in tackling this issue, which will be a serious challenge.

I note that our colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have negotiated a significant arrangement under the Labour Court which will help in terms of sick leave entitlements, which have literally been halved.