Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on proposals to change the sick leave entitlements of public servants, including teachers; and his views on whether these proposals, if implemented, include a significant reduction in the availability of uncertified and certified leave. [25784/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As part of the Croke Park Agreement management and staff representatives have agreed to work together to deliver increased productivity and maximise efficiencies in the delivery of public services. It is estimated that the direct cost of sick leave across the public service is over €500m. The State is no longer in a financial position to be able to sustain the cost of the existing sick leave. It is the view of public service management that a reduction in the amount of paid sick leave across the public service will result in increased productivity, a reduction in the cost of sick leave and improved morale. Therefore management has made proposals to reduce the arrangements for paid sick leave across the public service, including the arrangements for teachers.

The Labour Relations Commission is facilitating discussions between the management side and public service unions on proposals to change sick leave provisions across the public service, including teachers. Discussions are ongoing.