Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons employed by the Central Bank of Ireland and of that total, the number of those who are employed on the basis of a 32.5-hour week; the number of those who are employed on the basis of a 35-hour week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11274/11]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of days annual leave attached to various staff grades at the Central Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11275/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

The Minister for Finance has no role in the employment of staff of the Central Bank of Ireland or in its terms and conditions. However, I have been informed by the Central Bank of Ireland that there are 1,384 persons employed by the Central Bank of Ireland. The majority of staff in the Central Bank fall into the category of Professional and Administrative staff. The remaining staff include technical and general staff and senior management. Since December 2008, all contracts for Professional and Administrative Staff, regardless of grade, are issued based on a 35-hour week (excluding lunch). This is in line with a labour court ruling. Prior to December 2008, contracts were issued for a 32.5-hour week (excluding lunch). There are a range of different contractual hours in place for technical and general staff including those in Sandyford, depending on the grade and category of staff and role. These include 32.5 hours (pre Dec 08), 35 hours, 37 hours and 39 hours (all excluding lunch). In addition, due to the nature of the work in the Currency Centre, a range of working patterns and shift patterns are in operation. Of the total number of staff, 726 Professional and Administrative staff are employed on the basis of a minimum 32.5-hour week and 356 on the basis of a minimum 35-hour week. Within these contractual hours, flexible working arrangements are in place which are managed locally to ensure business requirements are met at all times. In practice, management and many staff, work in excess of their contracted hours. It is expected that the ratio of staff with 32.5 minimum contracted hours compared to staff with 35 minimum contracted hours weeks will reduce further by the end of this year.

As regards leave arrangements, there are a range of grades in the Central Bank with differing leave arrangements. The majority of staff (technical and general, bank officers and bank executives) are in the 22–24 day range. More senior staff/managers have a greater leave entitlement with the majority in that category being on the 28–29 day range. In practice many senior managers do not get to take their full leave entitlement and also make themselves available for contact when they are on leave.

The number of days annual leave attached to various staff grades at the Central Bank of Ireland are set out in the table below.

Catering Catering 22

Head of Catering 24

Head of Catering 24