Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a consistent policy in place within the public service regarding absenteeism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29064/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In relation to absenteeism across the public service each of the sectors has its own policy in place. In the Civil Service, the area for which I have direct responsibility, the policy for sick leave is governed by a number of Circulars which are published on the Personnel Code and available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website. The procedures were recently updated and are set out in Circular 9/2010 which codifies the procedures for the management of sick leave. These procedures reflect best practice and include provision for return to work interviews, monitoring the patterns of sick leave and referral of officers to the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service.

The local government sector has been addressing the issue of attendance management and absenteeism for many years now, not least through the gathering and analysis of statistics from the annual Service Indicator Reports. A Policy and Procedure for Attendance Management issued in 2006 by the Local Government Management Services Board and these were revised and re-issued in early 2011.

In the Education sector the Department of Education and Skills has recently issued a circular concerning the Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools (Circular 60/2010 available on the Department of Education and Skills website). Circular letter 33/2010, also published by the Department of Education and Skills and available on the website, sets out the sick leave scheme for special needs assistants.

In the Health Sector, the Health Services Executive has published policies entitled 'Managing Attendance Policy and Procedures' and 'Rehabilitation of employees back to work after illness or injury - Policy and Procedure', designed to address absenteeism and to support staff in returning to work following illness or injury. Both documents are available on the HSE website. In addition, my Department is initiating a review of sick leave provisions and will be bringing proposals to me on the matter.