Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 10 February 2009 regarding uncertified sick days, the steps he has taken to rectify a situation in which a large number of persons can be absent due to uncertified sick days; his views on the fact that a substantial number of these days happen to be Mondays and Fridays; if there is a proposal to overhaul the system of uncertified sick days as it applies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13584/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has put in place an Attendance Management Policy which has been developed in consultation with Senior Management and Staff Associations. The management of sick leave is a central focus of this policy document. The aim is to make staff aware that attendance is a vital factor in managing the work of the Department and in the efficient delivery of services and to encourage all staff to take responsibility for their own attendance.

The number of sick days taken on Mondays and Fridays in 2008 has reduced significantly on 2007 levels and my Department will continue its efforts to reduce these amounts further. Any proposals to amending Civil Service regulations on Sick Leave would be a matter for the Department of Finance which has the central policy formulation role in this regard.