Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of uncertified sick days taken within all sections of his Department for the years 2007 and 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of employees who have taken uncertified sick days in the categories one to ten days and over ten days; the number of uncertified sick days taken Fridays and Mondays; the number of persistent offenders with regard to uncertified sick days who have been sent for an independent doctors opinion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15678/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The number of uncertified sick days taken within all sections of my Department amounted to 637 days in 2007, 513 days in 2008, and 157 days to date in 2009.

The maximum number of uncertified sick days allowable per person in any one year is 7. No employee is permitted to take over 7 days uncertified sick leave in any one year.

496 staff took an average of 1.28 uncertified sick days in 2007, 365 took an average of 1.40 uncertified sick days in 2008 and 110 took an average of 1.43 uncertified sick days to date in 2009.

As my Department's management system records sick leave by date rather than by day, it is not possible to furnish the information in respect of Fridays and Mondays within the time available. I will arrange to furnish this information to the Deputy at a later date.

No staff members have been referred to the Chief Medical Officer on the basis of their uncertified sick leave. Employees on certified sick leave may be referred to the Chief Medical Officer on an individual basis under the sick leave regulations. If an individual is found to be abusing the sick leave facility, disciplinary action, including withdrawal of the privilege of uncertified sick leave, may be invoked.