Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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515. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposal to reduce the sick leave arrangements in the public sector for nurses and all other office grades. [11622/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has announced the introduction of a new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme for Public Service employees commencing on 31st March 2014. The new Scheme provides for the payment of the following financial support to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:

- A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a year

- Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay

- Subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period.

- In addition, the Sick Leave Scheme provides for a Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) which sets out the arrangements for extended paid sick leave for staff that are critically ill or seriously injured, as well as temporary rehabilitation pay which may follow up paid sick leave.

I am satisfied that the new scheme will ensure that staff who have serious illness are protected.